A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION OF PROJECT LITERACY KELOWNA SOCIETY
205-591 BERNARD AVENUE KELOWNA BC V1Y 6N9 PHONE 762-2163

Bridges to Learning

As a child growing up in Glasgow, Scotland, Rob MacFarlane was thought to have brain damage because he could not master reading. In fact, like so many people that have difficulties with reading, Rob has an exceptionally high IQ, but is dyslexic. He struggled in school, and later as an employee became adept at masking his disability. He worked his way up in a houseboat company and was able to deal with his reading difficulties by spending hours deciphering written material, until it was memorized. However, when the houseboat company he worked for went out of business, Rob was faced with looking for new employment and at that time realized he needed to seek literacy help. Rob worked with his Project Literacy tutor for two years and although the experience was not without frustration, the rewards have been immense. Now an avid reader, Rob sits on the Project Literacy Board of Directors, and is an advocate for literacy.

Rob says that because he had such difficulty with reading and writing in school, he took to doodling. Over time, Rob became a talented artist. He draws from his imagination, creating beautiful scenes imbued with history. Some of his works from his “Bridges” series are shown here. It has been Rob’s desire that his art in some way help other Project Literacy learners. To honour his wish, Project Literacy will be developing a calendar featuring his art. All profits from the “Bridges to Learning” calendar will be put toward a scholarship to support a Project Literacy learner with his/her education or employment goal . These calendars will make excellent Christmas gifts and will act as a constant reminder of your commitment and dedication to literacy! An order form for the calendar can be found on page 2. Calendars will be mailed out in December.