Callers just have to dial 947-5757 and a trained counsellor will match their needs to a suitable free literacy class in their neighbourhoods. “The majority of callers want to improve their skills to get a job or enter training. They know that most employers and educational institutions ask for Grade 12 credits now as pre-requisites,” Learner coordinator Judith Hayes says of her dual post as LEARN line expert and Learner Coordinator for LPM.

Adult Learner Bursaries

Darren Hughesman, Co-Chairman of the Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament for Literacy, presented a cheque to LPM. The net proceeds of the 1999 PGI will support the LPM Learner Bursary Fund, its provincial Resource Centre and Lending Library, and be allocated to programs through an application process this fall. Most adults face barriers to learning, since low literacy is directly related to low income. The PGI proceeds help through the awarding of emergency funds to help those learners in danger of dropping out of local programs. Learner Bursary application forms are available from Literacy Partners of Manitoba by calling Jasmin at 947-5757.

Funds available

Child Care: up to $400 Transportation: $250 Testing, fees, or materials $250

• Wednesday, September 8, was International Literacy Day, a great opportunity for Canadians to express their support for a literate world and celebrate the achievements of thousands of literacy learners, teachers, volunteers and others.
• “There are things we all can do to promote literacy,” said MCL President Ann Marie Downie. “From reading to our children, to learning more about literacy issues and resources in our own communities, to making our workplaces more ‘literacy-friendly’, to donating time or money – anyone can get involved.”
• Across the country, literacy groups and sponsors organized activities to celebrate International Literacy Day and build public support for literacy. For example:
• Canada Post presented its 1999 Literacy Awards to outstanding learners, educators, and organizations in every province and territory.
• In Whitehorse, Yukon Learn and Yukon College held a coffee party with a slide show and displays. The library will host “Bedtime Stories with Dads”.
• Literacy BC’s annual “Take 5 and Read” campaign urged every British Columbian to “stop what you’re doing – pick up a book, community newspaper, anything – and READ” On September 8th, Lit Happens, a photographic/text exhibit of work from new and established BC writers, was mounted in the Vancouver offices of BC Hydro.
• LITERACY WORKS was a joint initiative of the Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association, Canada Post, and the Education Resource Group Overseas. This event, at Edmonton City Hall, included the presentation of the Canada Post Literacy awards, speeches by adult literacy learners, and much more.
• The Saskatchewan Literacy Network held a special event with the Regina Literacy Association. As well, flag raising ceremonies were held in Regina, Yorkton, Prince Albert, La Ronge, and Saskatoon.
• The Halifax Regional Library hosted a Community International Literacy Day Celebration at Alderney Gate Public Library, Dartmouth.
• On September 12th, the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick hosted an Early Childhood Literacy Awards ceremony at the Legislative Assembly in Fredericton with a reception at Old Government House to honour Charles Ramsey of NALD.
• A new Workplace Learning Centre was launched at Charlottetown’s West Royalty Industrial Park. The Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a new 1-800 literacy information number.
• The Stonewall Regional Interlake Library and Selkirk Regional Library played host to celebrity readings by Sheldon Oberman, author.
• The International Pickle Festival in Brandon was the site of the Scrabble Fest, organized by the Marion Terry of Brandon University and the Brandon Coalition for Literacy Services. The Thompson Reading Aides Corp. participated in the Lifestyles Fair with a display and tutor recruiting drive.
• The LPM staff and Board of Directors travelled to Winkler to revisit their strategic plan. Under the patient guidance of facilitator Jim Kingdon of ChangeMakers Social Marketing firm, LPM drafted a provincial marketing strategy. Core concepts will be presented to the membership at the AGM on November 27th. Be there to chip in and reap the benefits of this campaign, designed to benefit programs through a public and corporate fund-raising focus.