The provincial government is granting $59,200 to the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy to provide residents of the East Kootenay and Columbia Valley with the literacy skills they need to participate in B.C.’s economy.

“Literacy is a basic skill that many of us take for granted, but it’s essential for improving your career training and job prospects,” Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett said. “By assisting those who are struggling with literacy in Golden, Windermere Valley, Elk Valley, Kimberley, Creston and Cranbrook, we are helping to improve quality of life and economic opportunity in these communities.”

The grant comes from the $2.4 million government has invested in community adult literacy programs in 75 B.C. communities in 2015-16.

Funding is distributed to non-profit community groups to offer free literacy training that is easily accessible in local places such as schools, Aboriginal friendship centres and community centres. The program is tailored to suit the needs of any adult with low-literacy ability, and is delivered by trained volunteers offering one-to-one tutoring or small-group classes.

Community organizations collaborate with a public post-secondary institution in their region. These partnerships encourage the transition of adult learners from literacy programs to post-secondary studies and/or employment training. The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy is collaborating with College of the Rockies.

Since 2001, the provincial government has invested more than $25 million in community adult literacy programs, helping approximately 100,000 adults improve their reading, writing and math skills.

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