The provincial government is providing $135,614 to support four community-based programs in the Upper Fraser Valley to help adult learners improve their reading and writing skills.
The University of the Fraser Valley is partnering with four community organizations in Chilliwack, Hope, and Agassiz-Harrison to deliver reading and writing skills training. Chilliwack Learning Community Society is receiving $40,000, with $31,984 for Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, $32,000 to Chilliwack Community Services, and $31,630 will go to New Page Human Services Society of Hope.
"I am a big supporter of this program," said Chilliwack MLA John Martin. "It is great to see how our government, the world-class University of the Fraser Valley, and these dedicated community groups are working together to help improve the lives of our citizens."
"Literacy is a necessary tool to participate fully in our society," said Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness. "We want to help ensure that everyone has an opportunity to gain literacy skills."
The funding is part of the $2.4 million investment by the provincial government into the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP) to support projects in 90 communities this fiscal year. It’s anticipated that 9,000 people throughout B.C. will benefit from the funding.
Through CALP, local groups collaborate with a public post-secondary institution to deliver literacy training, encouraging transitions from community-based programs to post-secondary studies.
CALP projects focus on the individual goals of adults such as improving their literacy and numeracy skills to enhance the quality of their lives, improve their job prospects, further their education and skills training, strengthen their families and increase their involvement in their communities.