Although it’s February already, I want to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year, and if you follow the Chinese calendar, a healthy and prosperous Year of the Sheep.

Many thanks to those who attended the AGM in November. I think everyone came away with a renewed sense of awareness of the various backgrounds of our learners, the challenges they have faced, and the wonderful achievements that are possible at all levels.

We have had some changes to the Board of Directors this year. Thanks go out to Brenda Brown, Betty Rebus, Betty Hillis, and Fred Snyders for their previous participation. I would like to welcome our new members: Teresa Bohn, Johnie Downie, Starleigh Grass, Linda Heatherington, Ron van der Meer, and Ailish Weber. And of course thanks to the returning members: Elaine Bjornson (Secretary), Marianne Cook (Vice President), Jean Lester, Rob MacFarlane, Maurice Parfitt (Treasurer), and Del Stone, to whom I extend a special “thank you” for your years of service as President of the Board. Enjoy the well-earned rest, Del!

I am looking forward to working with the Board, and will endeavour to provide regular reports to you through these newsletters.

Barb Donaldson
President

The New Year marks a busy time for Project Literacy Kelowna Society. The office has been a dynamic hub of activity this past month with our many tutors and learners working toward their individual goals. In December, four new workstations were added to our office to accommodate the large number of clients we have assessed and matched with volunteer tutors.

The Adult Literacy Program and the Esteem Youth Program are both beginning a new contract year with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). Project Literacy educators and tutors are committed to assist individual participants toward achieving the milestones outlined in the HRDC contracts. Many learners in our programs will find meaningful employment or further education as a result of working with our dedicated tutors and educators.

The United Way has just completed their annual campaign. The result was $723,801.00! Project Literacy relies on funds raised through the United Way, Gaming and private donations to provide services for clients who do not meet HRDC eligibility. The United Way encourages workplace campaigns in our community. If you work in an office and want to donate to the United Way, you can do so each month as a paycheque deduction or as a group collection. Your United Way donation will assist community organizations including Project Literacy.

This year, Project Literacy Kelowna Society expects to welcome approximately 200 clients into our one-to-one tutoring program. In 2002, clients using our service increased by 40% over the previous year. Our mission is “to help adults achieve their full potential at work, home and in the community through free individualized literacy instruction.” Thank you to our dedicated staff, tutors and volunteers for helping us to fulfill our mission every single day!

Patti Boyle
Executive Director

Paul Purtell (Esteem) and Maurice Parfitt (Treasurer)	P.L.K.S Participants: Norma and Salome	P.L.K.S Participants: Mother and Daughter,Elizabeth and Lisa