The Rabbittown Community Association was established in 1984 for the tenants of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) in central St. John's. In the Rabbittown area, there are about 300 housing units with 74 per cent of tenants receiving Social Assistance, 23 per cent receiving Employment Insurance benefits, and the remaining 3 per cent receiving income from other sources.

The Rabbittown Community Association's main objective is to provide social, educational, and economic enhancement opportunities to neighbourhood residents through a variety of programs and activities.

Activities include community kitchens, clothes bank, neighbourhood clean-ups, community days, craft fairs, Christmas hampers, tenant advocacy and fundraising. Two major accomplishment of the Association are the establishments of the Association are the Establishment and development of the Rabbittown Community Centre and the Rabbittown Learner's Program.

The learner's program offers upgrading of reading, writing and math skills, basic computer skills, and other learning aids to adult learners. The Rabbittown Community Centre operates as a meeting place, and offers a recreational service to the more than 700 young people in the neighbourhood.

The Rabbittown Learner's Program was established in response to a need for upgrading by community residents. Under federal funding, the Rabbittown Learner's Program opened its doors to learners on May 2, 1988.

The majority of learners who attend the program are below a Level 1 in Adult Basic Education. Most learners enter the program at a Grade 2-3 reading and writing skill level. The average age of participants ranges from mid-twenties to mid-fifties. Since the program's inception, over 270 participants have upgraded their reading, writing, language and mathematical skills. The number of learners in the program changes throughout the year.

The Rabbittown Learners Program offers a relaxed, supportive learning atmosphere where participants work at their own pace and without pressure. This program is in operation from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Learner's receive about 25 hours of instruction per week. Instruction is offered through a combination of one-on-one tutoring, and large and small group work. Evaluation and assessment is ongoing by learners and tutors.

On May 2, 1997 the Rabbittown Learners Program celebrated its ninth anniversary and also held the annual Shirley Hickey memorial achievement award. This year the recipient of the award was Stephen Yetman. Stephen joined the program in March 1996 with very basic literacy skills. Since becoming involved in the program, he has achieved the equivalent of three grades.

The award was presented by the co-founder of the program, Francis Ennis. Also, guest speakers for the awards ceremony were Councillor Shawn Skinner, representing the City of St. John's; Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Health; and Wayne Taylor, former Executive Director of The Literacy Development Council.

Maurice Baily presented Francis Ennis with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for her continued support to our program. The days activities concluded with the crowning of a King and Queen from the program. Kevin Whelan from Manuels and Marilyn Walsh from Holyrood. This was followed by a dinner and dance at the Lions Chalet.

Content

The content of lessons is determined by the learner and the tutor. Together, they spend time planning lessons and determining why, and how, they will be done. Adult learning is enhanced when learners take responsibility for their own learning processes and perceive what they learn is meaningful to them and applies to their situation. The long and short-term goals of the learner are always considered when planning lessons.

In addition to reading, writing, language and mathematical skills, the Rabbittown Learner's Program informally provides such activities as basic computer skills, field trips, life skills, crafts, and other learning aids. Participants learn to work in group settings, sharing ideas, experiences and resources with others. The learners are afforded the opportunity of individual, self-paced learning, coupled with cooperative team work. This balance has proven to be extremely effective throughout the development of this program.

Curriculum materials were obtained from Community Based Literacy Programs in Canada, with some revisions to meet local community requirements.

Affiliations

The Rabbittown Learner's Program has worked in conjunction with various government and community agencies throughout the years. Referrals come from such agencies as Human Resources Development, Skills Assessment and Training Centre, John Howard Society, Kirby House, Social Services, and various outreach services. Program staff maintain a close affiliation with outside agencies to ensure progress of learners.

Adult learners in Newfoundland are in need. The economic situation in this province has prompted many adults - most formerly employed, with little education - to return to school for upgrading. With major cuts in Adult Basic Education, and lengthy waiting lists for existing services, the Rabbittown program has become an invaluable service to those returning after many years.

It has been through the dedication of the staff that this program has been able to continue through periods of little or no financial assistance. Financial resources are needed in various areas of program development, including, material resourcing and development, tutor training and coordination, placement and follow-ups and program delivery as a means of providing ongoing

An increased knowledge base leads to more appropriate choices. Some of the learners of this program will continue their learning through school and post-secondary training. Others will learn how to better manage their households and their lives through their experience at Rabbittown. All participants will benefit in their own way and in their own situation.

The Rabbittown Learners Program will continue to work with other organizations to ease the transition of adult learners as they embark on the road to increased knowledge and a better understanding of themselves and the world around them.