College’s South Okanagan Literacy Program celebrates Adult Learners’ Week

Okanagan College Media Release

April 2 - 9 is International Adult Learners’ Week and the South Okanagan Community Literacy program has a lot to celebrate. The program, which operates out of Okanagan College, currently has 25 trained tutors who work one-on-one with 21 adult learners throughout the South Okanagan region. Another four students have been using the service on a drop-in basis.

The South Okanagan Community Literacy Program trains volunteer tutors to work one-to-one with adults in Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls. Adult students and tutors meet weekly at Okanagan College in Oliver, WorkZone, schools within SD # 53, and the Sonora Centre. The program is free for adults age 19 and over and helps learners develop confidence in their skills, reading with their children, finding employment and building skills for further education.
“We appreciate the support we’ve received in Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls,” said Mary Kiviste, Volunteer Tutor Coordinator. “We want everyone in the South Okanagan to know there is free literacy support for adults so that all of our citizens can be part of the conversation that makes up a vibrant community.”

The South Okanagan Community Literacy Program is one of 67 Community Adult Literacy Programs (CALPs) across British Columbia. These programs are funded by the Ministry of Advanced Labour and Market Development. CALP programs are community-based and offer flexible, learner-centred programs in a non-institutional context.

Across BC, CALPs serve approximately 1,800 core learners each year, and an additional 1,450 drop-in learners, who access help for a specific need such as understanding a rental agreement. Approximately 1,600 British Columbians volunteer with adult literacy programs each year.

“I have tutored adult learners for over 20 years,” said Norma Scott, Oliver tutor. “It has been a rewarding experience to help learners attain not only literacy skills but the self-confidence that allows them to advance to better employment and further education. The very special relationship that develops between a tutor and a dedicated adult learner continues to be an inspiration.”

For more information about the program, please contact Mary Kiviste at Okanagan College (250) 492-4305 ext. 3244. For more information about the importance of literacy for communities, please visit Literacy BC at www.literacybc.ca.