P.A.L.S. Project Adult Literacy Society has a long history of association with Laubach Literacy of Canada. From its humble beginnings in 1979, the program has grown to include 224 volunteer tutors, 9 volunteer board members and serves over 200 students each year. In addition to the student-tutor pairs, there are small group programs-ESL Conversation Circles, Basic Computer Classes, Math and Writing. A visionary lady named Magda Baglo attended a conference where a speaker praised Laubach Literacy for its work with illiterate adults. Arriving home in Edmonton, she began a "crusade" to teach literacy and Volunteer Reading Aides of Edmonton was born. It was because of her unceasing volunteer efforts that the Alberta government, through Alberta Advanced Education, began funding the program. That funding is still in place although it is no longer the only financial support the program receives. United Way and City of Edmonton have financially supported P.A.L.S. since 1986. In 1993, Alberta Wild Rose Foundation funded a new program for P.A.L.S. called English Literacy for Speakers of Other Languages (ELSOL). The program is very successful, as is the regular literacy program.
Two tutors, who were trained in 1984, are still active in the organization - Edda Loomes and Marilyn Miller. During National Volunteer Week in April 2001, P.A.L.S. held its Student and Volunteer Appreciation at the Pyramids-the Conservatory in Edmonton. The event was attended by over 70 students, volunteers, board members and special guests. The accomplishments of students and volunteers were celebrated. City Councillor, Terry Cavanagh gave a congratulatory speech recognizing the difference that is made in the lives of individuals as they improve literacy skills. A tutor and student from both the Literacy and ESL programs shared their experience. Excerpts from student and tutor speeches: "Besides the weekly lessons with my tutor, I have taken part in many other P.A.L.S. activities and have got to know lots of people. I have, in the past, attended a conference at Grant MacEwan College, attended a Provincial Literacy Conference in Calgary, gone on a great field trip to Drumheller, helped at Hot Dog Sales, volunteered at Casinos and wrapped Christmas gifts. I am in a weekly computer class, Students for Students, and AAAL Regional Team. P.A.L.S. has been a great place for me. It has built my confidence BIG TIME and has given me a focus in my life." LITERACY STUDENT "I came from Shanghai, China. I have been in Edmonton for three years. I want to say that my best experience, which I will never forget, is the teachers at P.A.L.S. They spend lots of time to teach English to us. We are all adults, so English as a second language is extremely difficult for us. The teachers are so patient. They share their time with us and let us learn English in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. I am happy to have this chance to represent our students to thank all the teachers of P.A.L.S. Please remember your hard work will stay in our hearts forever, and you will see the rewards of your hard work." ESL STUDENT "I have been a volunteer tutor in the P.A.L.S. literacy program for just over three years. I had recently retired from full-time work and was looking for interesting things to do. From the very beginning, I was made to feel that I was a very welcome member of the P.A.L.S. team. It has been a joy to note my student's progress, not only in the basic reading and writing skills, but in many other areas such as self-confidence and the willingness to explore unfamiliar things. I have come to regard P.A.L.S. as a large extended family. It demonstrates family values like warmth and caring, yet it is not afraid to set limits on what is acceptable. The last line of No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod has stayed with me-it seems to embody the P.A.L.S. philosophy-'All of us are better when we're loved.'" TUTOR |
