WOW! Wonder of Words, Newsletter
Editor : Donna Mulders for NWT Literacy Council and Nunavut Literacy Council

A newsletter for young people who are improving their English reading skills. There are three levels of articles in each issue. The literacy article is the easiest.
Contact: NWT Literacy Council, P.O. Box 761, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N6
Tel. (867) 873-9262 Fax (867) 873-2176
info@nwtliteracy.ca
www.nwt.literacy.ca/

Then... and now (2001)
by Yolande Herman

A selection of writings from Yolande Herman’s journals. She started to keep a journal when she joined The Learning Centre in 1995. In the following years, she filled several notebooks with records of current events and recollections of growing up in a Chipweyan speaking community. As well as appealing to all readers who enjoy a good story, it will encourage others who are learning to read and write.
Cost: $6
Contact: The Learning Centre, 10116 105 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 0K2, Fax (780) 425-2205.

Super Spelling (2002)
Beyond Wordz

A handbook for people who experience difficulty with spelling. Contact: Beyond Wordz, 1063 King Street West, Suite 139, Hamilton ON L8S 4S3
Tel. (905) 547-6393
beyondwordz@on.aibn.com
www.beyondwordz.com/

This story was written by Omer Cormier. Omer is 59 years old. He was born in New Brunswick. He travelled and worked all across Canada, ending up in Nanaimo, BC. Omer started working with a Volunteer Tutor about a year and a half ago and is currently registered at Malaspina University-College.

Story by Omer Cormier

Hi, My Dear Friends.

Today I want to return what was given to me from my heart. I said it is never too late to learn. When there are places like Nanaimo Literacy that open their hearts to me, nine months ago. I believe God answered my prayers after being sober twenty-one years. I was born in New Brunswick and my parents couldn’t read or write we were French. I grew up in an Alcoholic home. We were very poor and my father was very abusive. I quit school at grade four. I never learned to read or write. My way of thinking is not to give up.

Two years ago I lost my job I became very depressed after working at hard labor for thirty-five years of my life. I went to the Ministry for help and they did not offer me any support I needed. I had my pride. The Ministry people degraded me because I could not read or write. I was treated like I was stupid when I knew I was not. I was automatically judged because I couldn’t read or write and was treated like a second-class citizen. I don’t deserve to be treated like that.

I was very angry but I will never give up!

Today I’m taking Math and English at the College. My goal is to write a book. I never thought I would have a second chance. Nanaimo Literacy opened that door for me. I will forever be grateful to my friends at Nanaimo Literacy.

Thank you,

Your Friend Omer Cormier

Policy Link N.B http://www.policylink.nb.ca/