 Choose to Change is the culmination of an idea that was developed during discussions between student inmates in the Literacy/Education class at Brandon Correctional Institution. Typical of most adult learners, the students mentioned that they did not have access to any reading material specifically written to help them with an alcohol/drug abuse problem, that was within their reading ability and attractively illustrated in colour. As question and answer sessions developed and after much "brain-storming", the ensuing result was very positive suggestions for the development of a booklet. "Colour" for example, seemed to be an operative word. The students wanted to get away from the stereotypical pictures of drunkards and drug addicts. They believed that the message needed to be positive and easily understood. They also wanted the illustrations to be very forceful, positive pictures which would not only carry the message, but would also instil hope and confidence in the reader. As part of a Language Arts/Art segment the students set about illustrating a simplified version of "The Twelve Steps to Sobriety". Choose to Change is the result. It was with a considerable amount of encouragement from other people that the project was kept on track. We are now working on its second phase, namely to produce a poster and to find sponsors willing to help with the printing of further editions of the booklet. To date, we received requests for over a hundred copies of the booklet, but until we find a sponsor to print them, we will be unable to provide them. For more information, contact: Eileen Cable, Literacy Instructor |
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article written by Eileen Cable Literacy Instructor - Brandon
Correctional Institution