Inspired - that is how a group of volunteers felt after a workshop at Capilano College last week.
Participants learned about the difficulties many adults may have with literacy - how some come to have these problems and that more than 40 per cent of adults in British Columbia have low literacy skills.
Low literacy means people may have trouble finding and keeping jobs or they may be unable to read to their children. A group of volunteers with Capilano College's Community Access to Learning and Literacy (CALL) learned how to help people in our community - people who may want more out of life, want to give more to their family, move forward in their career or simply come to enjoy reading and writing but have always thought they were a bore or a chore.
The workshop provided instruction and ideas on how volunteers can help others improve their literacy, practical strategies to make learning fun for both learners and peer tutors. The program was taught by people who help adults change their lives, in dramatic and positive ways, empowering them with the tools to solve problems they may have struggled with throughout their lives. One is never too old and it is absolutely never too late to improve these skills. Improving them can make daily life easier and open a world of opportunities.
The CALL program provides free instruction in reading, writing and basic mathematics to adults on the Sunshine Coast. Tutors and learners are matched, given their interests and abilities. There are 14 new tutors ready to be matched with learners.
Contact Carol Nielsen, CALL coordinator, for details at 604-885-9310.
