This report is developed to assist literacy agencies and their partners in developing a Trails to Literacy project. Trails is a 'participatory' learning concept developed to link learner-driven literacy upgrading with community marketing.

We will start by giving you some background on our original project at North Frontenac Literacy Program in Sharbot Lake. However, we recommend that you read our full report of this project, written in August 2001.

Next, we will run through the various stages that make up this type of project: Vision, Action and Evaluation. The Vision section covers Goals, Concept, Benefits and Recruiting. In the Action phase, we take a little time out for some theory on Authentic, Collaborative and Participatory Learning. Then we will move on to the activities that the various Pilot Projects carried out or plan to carry out. Of course, no project can carry on without the Evaluation. In a Trails project, practitioners and learners take part at various levels. The original goals, benefits and concepts need to be evaluated, as well as the activities and direction of the participants. Beyond this, the learning also has to be evaluated for the group and all individuals.

We will discuss the challenges and hopes for the future for Trails to Literacy and show you how to get in touch with a program. Oh dear, we can't keep a secret - check out www.trailstoliteracy.com

Finally, we offer a variety of suggested activities and sample forms that may help you in your Trails effort.

We hope that you enjoy our report and that you will consider joining Trails to Literacy, Positive Pathways to a Brighter Future.