LEARNERS IN ACTION March 2002

After the workshop people sent more responses:

I came away from this session with tools and knowledge on how very important it is for learners to network in order to accomplish some of the mandates put before us. Ellen and Sandy did a wonderful job and our group suggested that this model be used in all levels of the organization if possible. Again, I can’t thank them enough for this valuable training session.
— Sandy Johnston, Ontario

First off I would like to say how much I enjoyed your workshop. It made me do a lot of self-examination. However, I came out with a lot of questions about how I look at things. Have you ever thought of doing a workshop on how to help people look at things more objectively? It would take some training because when I saw the film and there was abuse in it, I had problems looking past that. I want to grow in life and if I had a tool that would help me look at things more evenly it sure would help. Thanks again.
— Lynda Magerl, Saskatchewan

The project itself was simply wonderful. What was really interesting was that the initial question unveiled many more questions than answers as the project continued to unfold. That is quite often the case with research. I was overjoyed to see how well this project was handled. The learners involved all did a remarkable job. They all received training on how to do effective research and then they put their skills to work. I believe that this project can serve as a template for other learner organizations for similar research projects that are of benefit to their individual provinces or territories.
— Gordon DeWolfe, Nova Scotia


Message to Learners

from Wendy DesBrisay, Executive Director of the Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL)

The Learners Advisory Network that puts out Learners in ACTION is part of a larger organization, the Movement for Canadian Literacy. MCL exists “to be a voice for literacy in Canada”. MCL has a Learners Advisory Network because we believe that the learner’s point of view is very important in helping us understand what needs to be done about literacy.

In February 2001, the Government of Canada (also called the federal government) announced it wanted to develop a national plan for skills and learning. MCL put out a call for your ideas (“Adult Learners, what do you think?”), and more than 125 of you responded. Your answers helped us decide what information to send to the government and what to tell politicians at last year’s Literacy Action Day. (There was a survey report on page 3 of the Autumn 2001 issue of Learners in ACTION.)

The federal government’s plans are moving ahead. On February 12, 2002, they put out a discussion paper (or “green paper”) about what needs to be done to make sure all Canadians have the skills (including literacy) needed to work in today’s world.

In a big country like Canada, making a plan for adult literacy is complicated. Most of the important decisions about literacy (like how many programs there are and who gets to attend them) are made by the governments of the provinces and territories. The federal government would like to build agreement and commitment from all levels of government, educators, businesses, unions, and the general public.

Learners can make a special contribution too. When you speak up about your experience - your challenges and successes - decision-makers sit up and take notice! We'll be in touch again soon to ask for your feedback on the government's discussion paper on Skills and Learning.

Please go to MCL's website www.literacy.ca to find out what you can do.
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