Literacy and Corrections—The Dialogue Begins

It is always rewarding to see a plan materialize with concrete results.

This year's program which followed LPQ's AGM is a result of last February's Literacy Action Day in Ottawa when literacy organizations across the country identified Corrections as one of the Federal Government Departments having a major role to play in literacy.

Following up on that initial discussion, LPQ began conversations with Corrections Services Canada at both the Federal and Provincial levels. The outcome was extremely positive and the result was an evening with representatives of CSC. Julie Ostiguy and Joane Mark, two teachers from the Cowansville Medium Security Facility in Quebec spoke to approximately 30 participants immediately following LPQ's Annual General Meeting.

The importance of this initial conversation is quite significant as it allowed all parties to learn more about their respective work, often with the same clientele albeit at different stages of an individual's life.

This discussion was important as it emphasized that there is work to be done. However, it is also now clear that there is a readiness to pursue this work. We hope for more opportunities to meet with CSC in order to establish how we can help to improve literacy levels of people at risk.

Golf Day 99 Grants

LPQ designated Learning Disabilities as the area to help support with our portion of the proceeds of Golf Day for Literacy '99. We are pleased to report that once again, this year's net profit exceeded last year's and we are able to direct our share, approximately $7,000.00, to help adults with learning disabilities.

Adult learners who receive literacy services from Regular Member of LPQ are eligible to apply for a grant. We will help subsidize adult learners who would benefit from an assessment to confirm and/or identify their learning disability. LPQ will be working with The Learning Associates of Montreal to carry out this assessment.

If your organization has not already received details of this bursary program as well as the necessary forms, they will receive these very soon. If you require more information, please call the LPQ office.

ABC CANADA
Family Literacy Grants

On January 27, 1999 ABC CANADA and Honda Canada sponsored the first Family Literacy Day in Canada. A number of events marked the day in cities across the country.

One of the successful outcomes of this initiative is that various organizations will be awarding grants to its members who are involved in Family Literacy.

LPQ will be awarding grants to its Regular Members who have Family Literacy programs. Very shortly, these groups will receive detailed information about how they can apply for one of these grants. If your organization is a Regular Member of LPQ, you are encouraged to find out more about this opportunity by contacting the LPQ office.