Various literacy societies in the northeast will receive funds from the B.C. government’s adult literacy support program to ensure older students’ noses stay in books and the societies’ doors stay open.
The provincial government released their list of funding recipients for the two-year cycle, which will begin on September 1 – B.C. offered additional support to 96 literacy programs, including four programs in the northeastern pocket.
Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Chetwynd, and the surrounding areas of all three communities will see support for their literacy societies and associated programs.
In Fort Nelson, the funds are coming at a much-needed time, according to Seanah Mollica, the executive director of the Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society.
Fort Nelson’s literacy society operates a learning centre with drop-in support for members of the community to seek help – Mollica said people tend to need assistance with forms or digital paperwork.
During the winter, members of the society work off-site at the Prophet River First Nation where they run drop-in literacy support events.
The province’s funds are only allowed to be put towards operational costs, such as staffing and bills – in the case of the Fort Nelson and Community Literacy Society, this cash will keep the door open.
“We’re a non-profit, we’re funded by lots of different grants and agencies – but we’re also quite fragile because of that. So, the (province’s) funding is instrumental in keeping our doors open,” Mollica said.
The Dawson Creek Literacy Society will also receive provincial funds to support adult learners in the city and Northern Lights College received funding to support literacy in Chetwynd – the college’s hands-on family literacy program will be run with the local public library.
Mollica said people, especially adults, who struggle with literacy should not hesitate to contact their local society.
“These are safe places, these are understanding places and you’ll be very happy if you take that first step,” she said. “You’re stronger than you think.”
The funds are a part of the province’s annual $3.4 million to support adult learners with the community adult literacy program. They said the program is a key part of the province’s goal in creating skilled workers and removing barriers to post-secondary education.
