If you do not learn to read you cannot read to learn. Share the right to read! |
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A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION OF PROJECT
LITERACY KELOWNA SOCIETY
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Happy New Year! The board and staff at Project Literacy wish everyone a happy and healthy year ahead. Given the
recent tragedy in South Asia, we have much to be thankful for in Canada. At Project Literacy we are especially grateful
for our tutors and the work they do. At this time of year we like to thank our many tutors and board members who have
given of their time, energy, and expertise during the year. In an effort to save space and trees, we will not individually list
the 150 plus people who volunteered in 2004, but please know that your work is greatly appreciated! Without you,
Project Literacy would not exist. We also wish to recognize and thank our valued members and donors, our funders
(HRSCC), The Central Okanagan United Way, Gaming, and The Central Okanagan Foundation.
New Arrivals Create Success
Project Literacy Kelowna Society’s Computer Courses |
Ellis and Linnet Edgars are living examples of what can be done when people
think positively, work hard and make connections. The couple moved from
the Queen Charlottes in the
fall. Desiring a fresh start and wishing to "learn different skills from different
people", they
arrived at Project Literacy on the recommendation of Ellis' brother and sister-in-law
who are also clients. Although Linnet only has an elementary school education,
her life experience
and success with attaining sobriety enabled her to receive support from the Haida
band to attend intensive training to work with women in crisis. Her goal in Kelowna
was to obtain
employment working with a women's transition house so that she could be a role
model,
showing women that there is "always hope". PLKS's Workplace Literacy Consultant,
Barb, worked extensively with the couple on their resumes and presentation skills.
After sending out countless resumes, Linnet was offered, not one, but several
jobs including the one she now holds at Now Canada Society (a
safe centre for women and children). Ellis meanwhile received support from his
tutor, Joanne, working on report writing and employment related skills. Soon
after his wife started her job, he too was hired as the organization's
maintenance worker. Successfully employed and enjoying life in Kelowna with their
two children, the couple's goal is to work on their education so that they can
continue their own professional and personal growth while demonstrating
New Arrivals Create Success
the importance of education to their children. Ellis and Linnet, your hard work
has paid off - congratulations! We
wish you continued success!
PLKS computer courses for learners are going very well. Since the courses
began last February, more than twenty learners have attended. Both the
sixweek,
Introduction to Computers, which includes Internet and E-mail, and
the four-week Word for Windows sessions are 1½ hours each and
are held on
Friday mornings. PLKS would like to thank all of the tutors who have
helped
Barb Hagan with the sessions; we couldn’t have done it without
you. If you
would like to take one or both of these courses, call Barb or Janet at
762-2163
to find out when the next one starts.