The provincial government is granting $29,600 to Agassiz-Harrison Community Services to provide residents of Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs with the literacy skills they need to participate in B.C.’s growing economy.
“Community adult literacy programs deliver training close to home,” Chilliwack-Hope MLA Laurie Throness said. “Improved literacy means better jobs, improved communications skills, and overall, a greater quality of life for these students.”
The grant comes from the $2.4 million government has invested in community adult literacy programs in 75 B.C. communities in 2015-16.
Funding is distributed to non-profit community groups to offer free literacy training that is easily accessible in local places such as schools, Aboriginal friendship centres and community centres. The program is tailored to suit the needs of any adult with low-literacy ability, and is delivered by trained volunteers offering one-to-one tutoring or small-group classes.
Community organizations collaborate with a public post-secondary institution in their region. These partnerships encourage the transition of adult learners from literacy programs to post-secondary studies and/or employment training. Agassiz-Harrison Community Services is collaborating with the University of the Fraser Valley.
Since 2001, the provincial government has invested more than $25 million in community adult literacy programs, helping approximately 100,000 adults improve their reading, writing and math skills.
For more information about community adult literacy programs, visit: http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/literacy/welcome.htm