Adult learners in Courtenay and Campbell River will get help to improve their literacy and numeracy skills thanks to projects funded through the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP).
An investment of $69,972 will support two projects administered through North Island College, the B.C. government announced this week in a news release.
From that total, $29,972 will be allotted to North Island College an adult literacy program at its main campus in Courtenay. The rest will be directed to Campbell River.
Projects funded under CALP provide instruction and support to adult learners in everything from basic literacy to high school completion.
Projects focus on the individual goals of learners such as improving their literacy skills to enhance the quality of their lives, improve their employment opportunities, further their education and increase their involvement in their families and communities.
Most offer one-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers, small group classes and other types of learning tailored to adults, Aboriginal learners, young parents and others in the community in need of support.
“As a former teacher, I know firsthand the connection between literacy and opportunity,” said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. “These valuable programs will give adults the vital tools they need to set them on a course for success.”
CALP projects are offered in a variety of settings – schools, non-profit organizations, native friendship and community centres – and are supported by volunteers.
The projects are delivered through partnerships between community groups and B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions.
In all, government is providing $2.4 million to the Community Adult Literacy Program for 2011-12 to support 72 projects around the province – eight more than last year, the provincial government explained. The program is expected to benefit close to 8,000 British Columbians.
Since 2001, government has invested $18.3 million in CALP, helping more than 70,000 adults learn how to read or improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills.
This program supports the BC Jobs Plan commitment to enhancing access to advanced education, skills and apprenticeship training throughout the province.
