Submitted. Mission Literacy in Motion is receiving a funding boost from the provincial government in the amount of $22,000 announced Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson.
“Mission Literacy in Motion offers literacy programs to all level of learners including: basic literacy, computer skills, ESL, senior directed computer programs, prison book clubs and University entrance support,” said Board Chair Cindy Miller. “These programs allow for improved employment opportunities resulting in increased income, ensuring a healthy community and improved quality of life for families. Mission is a community where need exists and we work to bring awareness through outreach, with the support of volunteers and partner agencies.
“As a lifelong educator, I know that the joy of learning is both a pleasure and skill,” said Gibson. “Without the ability to read or write, a person is at a severe disadvantage in the workplace and is denied the luxury of reading for fun and enjoyment.”
The Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP), an initiative that distributes funding to not-for-profit community groups to offer free literacy training that is easily accessible in local schools, native friendship and community centres.
This project is being delivered in collaboration with the University of the Fraser Valley. This partnership encourages the transition of adult learners from literacy programs to post-secondary studies and employment training.
Projects are tailored to suit the needs of young parents, Aboriginal learners, and other adults in the community, and are delivered by trained volunteers offering one-to-one tutoring or small group classes.
This year approximately $2.4 million is being distributed towards 83 CALP projects in 90 communities throughout B.C. It is expected 9,000 adult learners will be helped through the projects.
Since 2001, the provincial government has invested more than $25 million in CALP, helping more than 93,000 adults improve their reading and writing skills.