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In May 1988, responding to a community need, the Rabbittown Learners Program (RTLP) opened it’s doors as an Adult Literacy Program. In 1999, the Department of Education certified the program as Level I, ABE. Today, the program provides Basic Literacy and the Level I curriculum. Included are English, reading, writing, math, science, social studies, basic computer training and a wide range of critical skills. The program is the only full-time, structured Basic Literacy/Level I program in the St. John’s area. Adding to its uniqueness is the program’s high level of interaction with other community agencies. This provides a unique and innovative approach to literacy. The Rabbittown Learners’ Program serves adults of all ages and backgrounds. It provides a safe, non-threatening environment that is aware of people with special needs.
The program has a continual support system whereby learners continue to receive help after they finish. The Rabbittown Learners’ Program extends its support and assists in any area needed, including resumé writing, income tax, applications, referrals and intervention with other agencies. It also recruits volunteer tutors to help with any academic needs learners may have. To the Rabbittown Learners, literacy embodies much more than academics. Many issues centre around being illiterate. The program works with the whole person, including his/her barriers, strengths, weaknesses, hopes, aspirations and goals. Literacy is more than reading, writing, and employability. It reflects on almost every aspect of a person’s life. Interaction with family, the ability to communicate and the capacity to function in society all have ties to literacy. Success is measured not only through academic testing, but also through personal growth and development. The Rabbittown Learners Program celebrated it’s 14th Anniversary on May 2, 2002. On May 3, 2002 the program held it’s Annual May Awards and Dinner and Dance. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the following awards. The Shirley Hickey Memorial Achievement Award is given in memory of the Co-founder of the Rabbittown Learners Program. This award was presented to Herman MacNeil. Herman also received the PGI Learner Achievement Award on June 20, 2002. This award was sponsored by The Co-operators Insurance and is given to a learner who has shown dedication in improving his/her literacy skills and plans to continue with their upgrading. Herman not only showed outstanding academic achievement but also a profound work ethic and a positive attitude toward learning. The Margie Mahoney Dedication Award is given in memory of Margie Mahoney, a dedicated learner in the program from 1996-1998. Paul Rauch received this award. The R.T.L.P. Inspiration Award is given to a learner who has been an outstanding inspiration to fellow learners. This award was presented to Liai Tom Kong. The R.T.L.P. Peer Tutor Award is given to a learner who shows initiative in helping fellow learners, and this year’s recipient was Dianne Chipman. Also presented were Excellent Attendance Awards presented to learners who have maintained an outstanding attendance for the year. These awards were presented to Eric Noseworthy, Herman MacNeil, Derrick Tizzard, Paul Rauch, Liai Tom Kong, and Mary Hobbs. Learners also received certificates in other areas of achievement, i.e. Math, English, Journal Writing, Science, and Reading. During this ceremony we also honoured our volunteers. The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Anita Fisher. Anita has been a faithful volunteer with our program for the past four years. She is Coordinator of the volunteers of Frontier College, Students for Literacy and she was also a student at Memorial University, studying Adult Basic Education. Anita has also been recognized this past year as Memorial University Volunteer of the Year. She has also been featured as part of the “I Will Volunteer 2002” campaign promoting volunteers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This campaign was launched by the Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. In attendance to help us celebrate this evening included : Della Coish, Director of The Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador; Linda Coles, Executive Director, Literacy Branch, Department of Education; Walter Andrews, Chairman of the Rabbittown Learners’ Board of Directors. After the awards were presented, there was a dance for the learners to celebrate their achievements with family and friends. The evening was a success and everyone looks forward to our 15th Anniversary celebrations next year. For more information, contact :
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