The Circle Project has nine full-time and four part-time staff, two of
whom are dedicated to delivering the project's literacy programs. Volunteer
tutors (four) are used in both programs.
Both programs are held yearly from September to June, from 9:00 a.m. to
3:30 p.m., five days per week.
Over 90 % of the programs current participants are of Aboriginal
descent; 60% range from 16 to 24 years of age; 30% are 25 to 39 years of age;
the remainder 40 to 55 years of age; and 75% are female. On average, learners
have seven to eight years of formal schooling.
Program activities include role-model speakers, healing circles,
Womenspeak circles, Christmas feast, the ongoing involvement of Elders, and
spiritual practices.
A "Back to Basics" literacy guide has been developed
outlining the Aboriginal curriculum material and holistic philosophy followed
at Circle Project.
The Circle Project's literacy programs are funded 68% by NLS and 32% by
the provincial government (Saskatchewan Education and Post-Secondary Training).
Some Final Observations &
Concerns:
"Word-of-mouth" referrals, "not an institution", "a
place of safety", and "a lot of recognition and respect"
motivate learner participation in the Circle Project's literacy programs. The
Circle Project attributes its program’s success to approaching literacy
"as a piece of a whole and not a whole unto itself".
Some issues of concern to the program are:
|
