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Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council (NLLLC) held its annual general meeting at Rocky Harbour from April 15-17. The conference was hosted by The Gros Morne Laubach Literacy Council and they did a superb job this year. Approximately eighty representatives from literacy councils throughout the province attended and registered for the learner and tutor sessions and workshops. Laubach Literacy of Canada is a non-profit community-based volunteer literacy organization. It has 21 councils throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Trained tutors teach literacy skills to adults using the motto "Each One Teach One". 
Learner and tutor workshops were held on Friday. Tutors and learners attended two of six workshops. For learners there was a workshop on study tips, which proved to be quite helpful, and a workshop on Provincial Learners Forum. Here learners got a chance to express how they feel and what they can do to help others in a similar situation. It took away that feeling of being alone and being the only one with these difficulties. Excerpts from stories written by learners after the workshop tell exactly how they feel. "The Study Tips for Students/Tips for Better Learning workshop gave me new ideas. It was an experience I'll never forget." (Kenneth Faulkner) "I enjoyed it to the fullest. The meetings were good and I met some new friends." (Marilyn Murray) "The Study Tips for Students/Tips for Better Learning workshop was very good it helps me to study more easily." (Sonya) "It is now easier for me to speak about my problem and in doing so I hope to help others." (Perry Smith) "The Gros Morne Literacy Council was very organized, the weekend was definitely a time I will not forget for a long time to come. I am getting ready now to attend the next AGM in Gander. I wouldn't miss it." (Marina) "When I returned home from this AGM I made word cards and put them up all over my home to help my child with words. We also have a family night where we play word games. We are now a 'Family Learning Home'." (Karen) "I think the most important part of it all was meeting the adult learners. They had so much to offer! Their experiences in life, how far they have come and how far they would like to go taught me so much. I think that more adult learners should attend all AGM's." (Pat Byrne, NLLLC Provincial Learner Representative) Tutors attended two of four workshops on Tutoring Tips/Ongoing Assessment presented by Olive Reeves. This workshop was enjoyed by all and participants seemed to be quite excited with all the new ideas they had gotten here. Study Tips for Students/Tips for Better Learning was presented by Carol Ann Farrell and was also well received. Family Literacy in the Home, presented by Bessie Merrigan, and PR & Fundraising presented by Isabella Fry, took place in the afternoon. At the annual general meeting on Saturday a new slate of of officers was elected. Taking over as president from Lillian Moores is Bessie Merrigan from Corner Brook. Mata Mangal was elected as vice president, Paula Power as treasurer, and Marilyn Donahue as secretary. The new student learner representative for the province is Pat Byrne from Gander. Pat will be going to Ottawa on May 12 to represent Newfoundland and Labrador at the Atlantic Regional Conference for Laubach. Guest speaker at the closing banquet was the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Humber/St. Barbe/Baie Verte. He made it quite clear to all in attendance that our organization and all we are doing to combat illiteracy in this province is commendable. Conference 2000, an Atlantic Regional Conference of Laubach Literacy of Canada, will be held in Gander on May 25-28, 2000. |