Community-based literacy programs that offer a broad range of programs are one way to provide these opportunities. The specifics of these programs will vary according to:

• The community in which the program is offered.
• The needs of the learners in the program.
• The skills and expertise of the staff who deliver the programs.

In recent years, the scope of community-based literacy programs in the NWT has begun to change considerably. Today in a community, you might see any or, ideally, all of the following:

• Community-based adult literacy and basic education programs
• Family literacy programs
• Workplace literacy programs
• Integrated or comprehensive literacy programs
• Literacy integrated into other programs.

Community-based adult literacy and basic education programs are stand-alone programs that are an integral part of the literacy continuum and offer an essential service in the delivery of literacy programs to adults. These programs may include basic literacy, high school completion, academic upgrading, pre-employment and also personal development skills.

Family literacy programs are programs that involve adults and children learning and using literacy together. They may take many forms, but are most effective where:

• Adult education is central to the program
• Adults learn to be literate and to use their literacy in life roles, such as parenting, working or participating in community life
• Adults are encouraged and helped to transfer literacy and learning skills to their children (Dept. of ECE, 2001, p.12).