The fall season has been an exciting one for Project Literacy Kelowna Society. Expanded facilities at our Bernard location have created an inviting atmosphere for tutors and learners. We currently have five private tutoring rooms as well as four semi-private areas for tutor/learner pairs to work independently. Thank you to all of you who have visited our facilities and given us such wonderful compliments on the new space. We are open until 7:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday evenings for tutors and learners. To book a room or spend time browsing through our resources, call Janet (762-2163) in advance so she can unlock the outside door for you.

The Esteem Program has had a busy and productive year; in the past 9 months the program has supported 55 youths in their efforts to enter the employment market and return to full or part time academic studies. The program may soon be offered in Vernon. Preliminary discussions with a youth agency from Vernon have identified the need for the program and the support to implement it in the New Year.

People who attended our Ellen Szita presentation on September 20th were treated to an inspirational story of one woman’s struggle with low literacy and alcoholism. Ellen, now a national spokesperson and advocate for literacy and people with learning disabilities, touched the hearts of the seminar participants. Since we knew this day would be a special day for literacy, we decided to hold a tribute to a dedicated member of our team. After the Ellen Szita presentation, we took our “hats off” to Jean Lee who has dedicated over forty years of her life to education as a school teacher, and an additional twelve years to Project Literacy. MP Werner Schmidt honoured Jean by congratulating her on her many achievements. We are so proud of you Jean and we continue to look to you for guidance and wisdom as we carry out our work in the field of literacy.

Have a happy fall season everyone!

Patti Boyle
Executive Director, PLKS