January 10, 2012
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAMS GET BOOST

ABBOTSFORD – Adult learners around the Fraser Valley will get help to improve their literacy and numeracy skills thanks to funding through the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP). An investment of $92,797 will support three projects in communities around the region for 2012.

Why this matters:
• 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 in order 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.

Quotes:
"By offering one-on-one tutoring from trained volunteers, we’ll be providing many people in our community with valuable skills which will help them obtain employment."
-Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen

“Helping people in our community develop skills and gain employment is an important part of the BC Jobs Plan. We want to give our residents the skills they need to get good family supporting jobs.”
-Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong

"One of the important aspects of this funding is that by providing training and experience we can empower students, giving them the confidence they need to pursue a career."
-Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes

“The workplace of the future will require skilled workers. These projects will help us train local residents so our workforce can meet tomorrow’s demands.”
-Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton

Additional information:
• 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 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.

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