(Photo: Adam Dietrich)
In September British Columbia invested $2.4 million in adult literacy programs across the province. Part of this investment went towards a free tutoring program at Capilano University, a program that has been running for 11 years.
The free tutoring program is just one of 67 programs across the province that was recently funded through British Columbia’s Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP). The province has been funding these programs since 1988.
A press release issued by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development states that it is expected that 7,000 people across British Columbia will benefit from tutoring programs being offered by CALP this year alone.
“Literacy continues to be a priority for our government, especially in these uncertain economic times,” Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, said in a press release Sept. 8, International Literacy Day.
“That’s why we support the Community Adult Literacy Program, so more people across this province can improve their skills, enhance their prospects, and contribute to the growth of British Columbia.”
Sandy Middleton, Capilano’s regional literacy co-ordinator, said that without the funding, a tutoring program at the university would not be possible.
The money that the school receives for the tutoring program goes towards “co-ordination time and operating expenses,” Middleton said.
Although the program is volunteer-based, Middleton said money is needed to train volunteer tutors, purchase resources and allows the organization to organize field trips. The tutoring program takes faculty time as well, which also needs to be paid for.
Middleton said anyone in the community can volunteer to be a tutor and there is no set criteria or experience needed.
“You need to understand the sensitive issues around literacy,” Middleton said.
The process to become a tutor also involves an interview and filling out an application.
The program offers tutoring for a range of skills, not just reading and writing, but also math skills and computer skills.
Middleton said that the tutoring program is available to help those that want to learn on a fundamental level.
“We fit the program to meet their needs as opposed to the other way around,” she said.
At Capilano the free tutoring program helps 30 people per year, Middleton said.