President’s message

by Pam Iype

As I reflect on LLC’s history, thank you says what I feel most deeply about our many accomplishments. Thanks to the thousands of dedicated volunteers who know that the Laubach method works, thousands more Canadians have learned to read.

As a tutor myself, I know the true satisfaction that comes from teaching someone to read. For 13 years, I worked one-on-one with a student who progressed in so many ways by improving his literacy skills.

My experience with Laubach has been a rich and rewarding one. When I began this journey 18 years ago, I assumed responsibilities at the local and provincial levels before deciding to be part of LLC at the national level. I know that LLC has stood
shoulder-to-shoulder with the six other national literacy organizations in delivering programs that
made a difference in the lives of millions of Canadians.

Laubach tutors, trainers, and councils have done a tremendous job over the years. You are doing a tremendous job now. I know that your efforts to enhance literacy levels in Canada will continue to have a positive impact on the students you will encounter in the future.

For those councils working with students in a province where there is a strong provincial Laubach organization, the support you need at the provincial level will remain. If your council operates in a province where no provincial Laubach organization exists, Frontier College is ready and able to connect with you as they do with their existing network across Canada.

Thanks to the courage and foresight of our current Board of Directors, which made the difficult decision to wind-down, and thanks to the hard work of national office staff, we have found a new home for our national training and certification program and for the New Readers Bookstore. I am confident that Frontier College will value and honour these important legacies, and will be mindful of Dr. Frank Laubach’s call to “study all methods, to try those that look most promising, to adopt what is best and to improve on them where possible…”

National Student Representative's message

by Gary Porter

I have so many memories of the time I have spent with Laubach people. There were hard times and there were fun times. I have grown so much and learned a lot.

My message for Laubach students, generally, is that you need to stay focused on your goals. Continue with your studies and stick with your goals.

To the people who were part of our national student caucus, I encourage you to keep being advocates for students in your provinces. If you’re in a province where your provincial organization is strong, then keep on being there for students.

I think that one of LLC’s strengths was its training and certification. I was a bit worried at first when I heard that this part of the legacy was being transferred to Frontier College. Now that I’ve thought about it more, I’m hoping that Frontier College will pick up the slack where Laubach did not have strong presence, in rural areas of some provinces and in the West. When I think about students’ needs, I hope that Frontier College will be able to make an impact in parts of the country where LLC was not so strong.

The memory that really stands out for me during the time I was involved with Laubach was the first time I attended Literacy Action Day on Parliament Hill. I was on my own that morning, coming from the hotel to Parliament Hill for the first time.

As I walked up the laneway in front of the Hill, there wasn’t a soul in sight. I was thinking, “I can’t believe I’m here on Parliament Hill.” It was because of literacy that I was doing this!

Just as my foot touched the first step of the staircase into the building, the clock in the Peace Towe started to play its music. It gave me goose bumps because it happened just as I’d been reflecting on how my life had changed.

I have felt such respect from staff at National Office and from other members of the Board. I’m so glad that I had a chance to meet students from across Canada. Thank you to everyone. It’s been a joy in my life to know you.