The month of May marks the mid point of our contract year and is a time for acknowledging and celebrating the successes our clients have had during the year!

Finding employment is one of the key concerns clients at PLKS have. They often come to PLKS because they are unable to find or keep work because of poor literacy skills. Most clients are on Social Assistance or Unemployment Insurance and are eager to become financially self reliant. In the past 6 months, over 30 clients have obtained full or part time jobs and are working toward self sufficiency. While some left the program after obtaining employment, others have continued to work with their tutors to improve their skills.

Clients have found employment in a wide range of industries and professions with some of the places of employment being: Okanagan Springs Suspension, Chevron Gas, Wainers Distribution, Okanagan Restorations, Okanagan Radiator, Calona Wines, Argon, Costco and House of Flowers. Congratulations to all the newly employed PLKS learners!

There is a greater demand for a higher level of education and skills in the workplace than ever before. Grade 12 is now a bare minimum and most well paid jobs require more than that. Most PLKS learners left school before grade 12 and now require basic skill upgrading so they can get their grade 12 credentials and go on to further education. Several learners are now enrolled at OUC in the Adult Basic Education , construction and ESL programs. Others have written, and done very well, on exams such as the LPI, IELTS and the CLEP. Well done, everyone!

Celebrations!

On April 20th our hardworking, much loved treasurer turned 80! Maurice Parfitt has been involved with Project Literacy practically since its inception. Originally a tutor, Maurice is now active on the board of directors. He puts in countless hours bookkeeping, collecting bottles (over $13,000 worth collected so far!) and amusing staff with war stories and anecdotes about his cat, Charlie. Thanks Maurice for all you do!

In April, Project Literacy participated in the 7th Annual Okanagan Opportunities Fair, which was held at Orchard Park. The Fair gives PLKS an opportunity to raise awareness about literacy issues and to recruit interested volunteers. Congratulations to Jennifer Dixon, the winner of the Chapters Gift Certificate. Thanks to all the board members and staff who volunteered their time at the Fair!