Bridging Barriers to Learning

by Glenn Kissmann, Kelowna, BC.

When bright, motivated learners cannot meet their goals because of their financial situation, they are often forced to give up on their dreams. In 2003, Project Literacy in Kelowna, BC established a Bridging Barriers to Learning Fund to assist learners who were experiencing barriers to their success. The committee realized that one major barrier was a lack of money for basic needs. Many learners were unable to attend sessions with their tutors because they needed funds to cover food, transportation, vision care, etc. Without this support, they were not able to move forward in their career and educational goals.

Money for the Fund is raised through the sales of note cards. The artwork for the cards was created by a previous learner, and current board member, Rob McFarlane. Growing up in Scotland, Rob was told he had "brain damage" because he could not master reading. He spent his childhood struggling with dyslexia, taking up art as his own way of coping with his disability. When the company that Rob worked for went out of business, he decided to get some literacy help. Rob turned to Project Literacy Kelowna Society for assistance. Now, years later, Rob wants to support the organization that helped him. In order to raise money to help other deserving learners, he developed the Bridges to Learning note cards.

A bridge scene from one of the note cards featuring artwork by Rob McFarlane

The package of 6 note cards with bridge designs sells for $10 or 2 packages for $15. Funds raised go to the Bridging Barriers Fund. You can order them by contacting Project Literacy in Kelowna at tel: 250-762-2163 or email: admin@projectliteracykelowna.org.

Money in the Bridging Barrier to Learning Fund has been awarded to several learners over the past year. One such learner is Sabrina Collie. She is exactly the hardworking and ambitious learner that the Fund was set up to help. Read Sabrina's story on page 2.

Celebrate International Adult Learners Week

The Canadian Commission for UNESCO has announced that Canada will join in international celebrations of adult learners in 2005-06. They will have an official launch of information materials on the week of September 8-14, 2005 but each province and territory is creating their own dates to celebrate. Contact your provincial or territorial literacy coalition to find out about dates and events near you or visit: www.adultlearning.unesco.ca.