Speakers' Bureau
By Judith Hayes

WVRA coordinators Shirley Stone and Elma Gerwin with learner Avril (L)

May marked the conclusion of the group meetings for the Learner Speakers’ Bureau. On May 6 a Completion Ceremony took place. The individual program instructors were invited to attend and support their program participants who were receiving a certificate of completion for their attendance in the 2000 Speakers’ Training.

The ceremony took place at 11:30 am at the LPM office and began with an address by each of the Learner Speaker Mentors, Ken Gesell and Dan Deurbrouck. LPM’s Executive Director, Marg Rose, spoke to the audience prior to handing out Completion Certificates with the Learner Mentors. Certificates were also presented to the Learner Mentors and the alumni Learner Speakers in recognition of their support to the new trainees. Following the certificate presentation, the new Learner Speakers individually presented their speeches to the audience. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon where the instructors and learner speakers mingled and enjoyed each other’s company. The instructors were quite moved by the Learner Speakers presentations and were very enthusiastic about the personal rewards for those students who attended the 200 training session.

Marlene (L) and Irene Wiens of Journeys

May proved to be another successful month for the Speakers’ Bureau. Four members of the Speakers’ Bureau were scheduled for speaking engagements. The Manitoba Learner Representative, Abe Friesen, spoke at the PGI Golf Tournament. Rosemary Arnaud spoke to the PGI Committee detailing her literacy experiences prior to the tournament. The Learner Mentors addressed the instructors, speakers and guests during the Completion Ceremony.

Bella (L) with instructor Lucy Carter from Wellington Adult Education Program