Only two or three of the respondents mentioned that they were on income assistance. One was a mother who recognized the limited ability of two of her three children, but thought education and trying hard were important. The fact that the courses were free was very important to her. This was the only time a cost factor was mentioned in this survey.

DISCUSSION

Although this sample represented 25 percent of the people apparently lost to the program in the fall semester (September to December, 1989), it can be debated whether that is really the case. Bosma (1988) cites two problems with "compilation of reasons" surveys related to attrition: students may not be aware of the real reasons for dropout; students may be reluctant to share many of their real reasons. Yet this writer feels that of the 37 contacts made, people were honest. Only three gave rather "mixed messages" regarding withdrawal. Another person was rather "testy", and hesitant to express his real feelings in case he went back to the program. There were four people whom the writer thought had difficulty in speaking English and may not have understood the intent of the survey. However, if they did not recognize the name of the Centre, the words "school," "reading and writing," and "Mark" (the name of the literacy coordinator/instructor) brought recognition. The writer's assessment is that except for the above reservations, people expressed themselves freely.

The level of dissatisfaction with the program itself is low. It would appear that the program serves as a useful bridge or stepping-stone for a small group of students who can then go on to college programs when vacancies occur. Only six people expressed any kind of dissatisfaction with the program. Another one made suggestions for improvement and intended to return. Of the six, five had found or were searching for a program to meet their immediate needs. Thus, one could conclude that they were capable of directing their own learning activity. There were 25 non-program-related reasons for withdrawal. If the "moved aways" are added, this number is increased to 36. Further, it seems reasonable to suppose that of the six who gained entry into other programs, some may have continued in the Invergarry program if they had not been accepted into the others. It has also been reported that those who did withdraw have positive feelings about the program and intend or would like to return to it when circumstances are different.