Adult literacy is getting a boost in the community thanks to funding from the provincial government.
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Community Literacy Committee is receiving funding for their Lifelong Learning for Adults program – a program that promotes and supports adult, community, and family literacy and operates out of the Learning Room at the CEED Centre Neighbourhood House.
“While I don’t have an exact figure for the specific programs, all successful applicants were awarded their full requested amount, with the majority of programs receiving the maximum funding of approximately $32,000,” explained Devon Leathwood, spokesperson for the New Democrat BC Government Caucus.
New Democrat MLA’s Bob D’Eith and Lisa Beare are excited that people looking to improve their skills in reading, writing, math, and digital literacy will benefit from increased access to free adult literacy programs across B.C.
“Literacy is essential for many everyday tasks that most of us don’t even think about,” said Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “Programs like this one offered in Maple Ridge help all British Columbians thrive.”
Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, noted that community service providers play pivotal roles in the lives of people across British Columbians.
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“I’m grateful that we can work with the University of the Fraser Valley to provide adult literacy programs here in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows,” she said.
Yearly the BC government said they invest $3.4 million annually to support the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP), which goes to 102 adult literacy programs in 132 communities, supporting over 16,000 people across the province. The community-based, adult, family, and Indigenous literacy programs help people gain skills in basic literacy, numeracy, life skills, and employment preparation.
The programs are delivered by trained volunteers and include one-on-one-tutoring and small-group classes.
The News has reached out to the MRPMK Community Literacy Committee for more information