Free local learning programs can help adults meet their goals

Do you want help with navigating the internet, filling out government forms, or applying for post-secondary school? Maybe you want to join a driver’s license study group or need help with a course you’re taking. Local Community Adult Literacy Programs (CALP) can help you with your learning goals.

The Government of B.C. invests $3.4 million a year to support 102 Community Adult Literacy Programs in 132 communities delivered by 71 providers across the province.

“Improving literacy and numeracy skills is a large step forward that has a massive impact on people’s quality of life, improving job and career prospects and thriving in B.C.’s robust and strong economy,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills in a press release announcing the funding in 2023.

CALP helps adults improve their reading, writing, math, numeracy, digital skills, essential skills, and life skills. What’s unique about CALP is it’s for people 18 and over, it’s free and because adult learners have different needs depending on their goals, no two learning plans are alike. Each learner can meet their individual learning needs and goals, using the method they like best, like small group learning or one-on-one tutoring.

In this region, the CALP provider is the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society (MWFLS). As the first step, MWFLS holds two drop-ins a week for reading-writing-internet practice in Port Hardy (Mondays 4pm-5:30pm and Wednesdays 5:30pm-7pm at St. Columba Church), and Port McNeill (Tuesdays 3:30-5pm and Thursdays 5:30-7pm at the A-Frame Bookstore). Locations are flexible, so an organization can make a request for another location at other times.

There is also a conversation club drop-in in Port Hardy the last Monday of the month from 5:30-6:30pm at St. Columba Church, and in Port McNeill the last Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm upstairs in the Port McNeill Museum,

Coming soon, CALP plans to host community information sessions and free workshops on various literacy-related topics such as financial literacy, legal literacy, and teaching English to newcomers to Canada.

The program is also looking for volunteer tutors who are interested in helping others develop their literacy skills. Free tutor training is available for people who want to dig deeper into adult learning and tutoring strategies. 

“When people have strong literacy skills, their ability to advocate and make informed decisions for themselves and their families increases, their earning potential is greater and they become engaged community members,” said Desneiges Profili, executive director, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL).

Take advantage of CALP Mount Waddington if you or someone you know needs help to improve reading, writing, math, and digital skills, or if you would like to help other adults become more proficient.

Visit the Adult & Senior Literacy page on our website for more information about learning programs or to sign up for tutor training.  

By Stephanie Coe, published in the NORTH ISLAND EAGLE May 10, 2024

About Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society

The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society supports literacy and learning on North Vancouver Island through free programs for people of all ages, in partnership with local communities, schools, and organizations.