I discovered that the same self-awareness literacy workers draw on to ward off burnout also aids in maintaining their self-respect and in guarding their self-esteem. I admire literacy workers for their ability to accept and credit themselves and each other for their ongoing efforts. Their humour, honesty and lack of pretension keeps them grounded. Their own life experiences have taught them that the more accepting they are of themselves, the more accepting they can be of others.

In her home in Brooks, BONNIE ANNICCHIARICO said to me with unwavering conviction:

"Positive self-esteem is the basis for all learning. Success is very much related to self-esteem. Success is knowing that being a part-time literacy worker is valuable and important. "

Joanne Synder at her desk in her office in High Level

South School, where the Red Deer College Volunteer Tutor Bank is now housed