The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Community Adult Learning Centre opens its door again to a new academic year. The centre, which caters to adults who want to improve reading, writing and arithmetical skills, is under the direction of Adult Literacy and Learning in Winnipeg. As well as reading, writing and mathematics, other subjects taught are spelling, phonics, grammar, handwriting and basic computer skills. Also lessons are provided as well in GED (General Equivalency Diploma) and English as a second language. The program is learner oriented. Students not only choose which subjects they would like to study, but also have a choice of attending a daily class or having private lessons with a volunteer tutor. This regime makes allowance for those people who cannot attend class due to job or home commitments. A governing body of 10 persons oversees the program. Eileen Jessup and Poomidevi Sethi have been the co-chairpersons for the past year. Sylvia Alexus has been the coordinator/ practitioner of the program since the retirement of Margaret de Kock in January of 2004. Sylvia, who is hired full time, carries out duties which include recruitment, interviewing, assessment and instruction of students, and recruitment of volunteer tutors who teach students on a one-to-one basis. The ultimate goal of the program is to bring all students, other than GED and English-Second Language students, through a Grade 8 level of education. They are then able to transfer to Many Faces High School where they will eventually earn a high school diploma. Achievement of these goals will enable students to take courses, if they so choose, in areas which will lead to careers. There have been many success stories in the program. The environment is relaxed and comfortable, and confidentiality is stressed. As well as adult education, the program branched out in 1994 to embrace a Family Literacy program, "Read to Me". Two eight-week sessions are held per year. Crystal Kolt is the family literacy coordinator and instructor. The program encourages literacy activities in families. The adult literacy sessions begin Monday, September 13 at 9:30 a.m. in rooms 208 and 209 at 35 Main Street (above Pharmasave). Those persons who are interested may phone Sylvia at 687-3223.
