Strategic Planning Committee

Our strategic planning process is well under way. Mun Batstone has been contracted to do some of the preliminary work. A strategic planning workbook has also been developed by Mr. Batstone for use by Board members. A two-day planning conference for the Board is being arranged. The Council hopes to have a plan in place in the early fall.

Tutor Training

The Council has received funding from the National Literacy Secretariat to complete Phase Two of the Tutor Training project. The Planning Committee has met and a Call for Programs has been issued . During the summer, a description of available programs will be completed and recommendations made as to what curriculum areas will need to be developed to meet the committee's criteria. During the fall, the committee expects to have a complete list of programs listed as part of a resource for the training program. It also expects to begin work on modules not covered by programs presently available. This program will provide direction to the changing roles of literacy providers.

Finance Committee

The finance committee is busy responding to government cutbacks. The Council's budget had to be revised to offset shortfalls. This is a challenging exercise as we try to respond to increasing demands from stakeholders who themselves have been hard hit by recent cuts. A detailed account of Council's budget and project plans should be available for the next issue of The Notepad.

Grants Review Committee

This Committee met in early May and awarded more than $140,000 to literacy stakeholders on behalf of the Council. The total value associated with the 30 proposals reviewed in May was in excess of $1,000,000, with requests for more than $500,000 being made to Council. It was recommended in this recent government budget that Council designate $300,000 for grants in the coming fiscal year. As you can see, funds are limited and we encourage you to form partnerships and submit proposals which reflect our fiscal environment.

Laubach Literacy of Canada $33,351

To provide continued support to local Laubach chapters through their field work office.

Southwest Arm Regional Development Association $3,000

To assist with an early intervention program for preschool children in the Southwest Arm area. This funding is contingent on National Literacy Secretariat funding.

All Saints Primary, Foxtrap $7,000

To implement a head start in Literacy program for primary students in Foxtrap.

Training for Community Living $5,480

To provide a speech assisted reading and writing program to participants of program supported by the Humber Literacy Council, Westviking College and HRDC. This funding is conditional on HRDC funding.

Random North Development Association $2,500

provide partial support to a Family Learning Outreach project. The project involves several literacy groups in the region and is contingent upon National Literacy Secretariat funding.

Paradise Elementary School $1,700

To develop literacy skills in primary students through an intensive intervention program. This program will run as a summer reading camp.

Teachers on Wheels $10,000

provide tutor training to volunteers from the public and/or various contact agencies. Tutors will be provided with a training workshop, 'sensitizing' them to the concerns of the adult learner. They will also examine educational methods and philosophies and learn how to chose curriculum materials.

Literacy Outreach Centre, Central Regional College $3,555

The college proposes to automate a collection of literacy material available on loan from the Grand Fails-Windsor Centre to literacy stakeholders in the college region.

Upper Gullies Elementary School $720

Upper Gullies Elementary proposes to conduct an early intervention literacy-based program designed to assist 'at risk' children in their acquisition of literacy-related concepts prior to school entry.

Literacy Outreach Office, Parson's Pond $1,380

To conduct a community literacy workshop. The objectives of the workshop include the presenting and critiquing of a regional strategic plan which encourages community ownership and networking among local literacy stakeholders.

Curtogien literacy Learning Centre $3,000

To expand an early intervention program established in January 1996. The objectives of the program include; providing a smooth transition from home to school, promoting literacy experiences for young children and helping parents assist children at home.

Bishop's Fails Correctional Centre $2,000

This grant was awarded for material development at the Centre. Staff have identified a need for additional resources under the following topics: career/personal counselling, general interest reading, reference and Laubach materials.

Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council $2,500

To allow NLLLC to develop a strategic plan to provide guidelines for councils. These guidelines will demonstrate expectations, requirements, and outline, new expectations for financial and professional responsibility.

Westviking College $25,000

To establish a literacy site on the world wide web. This will include exploring the logistics of making materials accessible via Stemnet, liaise with colleagues at other post secondary and secondary institutions, selecting a consistent format for material development and presentation and other support services.

Baie Verte Peninsula Economic Development Association $5,000

To initiate a 'Bookbags for Preschoolers' program on the Baie Verte Peninsula. This program will provide positive early learning experiences for parents and children through quality reading material.

Marystown-Burin Laubach Literacy Council $28,800

To assist with the operations of the Learn for Tomorrow Centre located in Marystown. This Centre provides literacy services to area residents and also provides literacy support to school children. This grant was a carry over from the 1995-96 commitment.

The Longside Club $5,000

This funding will provide an external evaluation of the club's present and past services. It now provides literacy support services to special needs students. This grant was a carry over from the 1995-96 commitment.

The total costs associated with projects submitted during this call for submissions was $1,011,383.73 with requests for $589,217.50 from the Literacy Development Council. The Council awarded $140,346 of the amount requested.