Afton First Nation
Afton, Antigonish County
Nova Scotia
B0H 1A0
Tel:(1) w. (902) 386-2781 or h. (902) 386-2259

Program Mission & Objectives:

Begun in 1996, the Afton literacy program is a growing project. As its core group of students advance in academic skills, so does the program expand to accommodate their needs. From offering only Level 1 (i.e., Grades 1 to 5) in its first year, the program has since been extended to offer Levels 2 and 3. Ultimately, the program will offer all four levels necessary for its students to successfully complete their GEDs.

Its broad mandate is to provide all adults in the community with a basic education. To this end, the program uses the provincial curriculum, which is enhanced by the coordinator with a good deal of Aboriginal culture and language. In addition, Afton’s literacy project is affiliated with the Kjipuktuk Aboriginal College in Halifax. As a result, it benefits from curricular, resource and funding support. Further support and assistance for the program comes from the education committee and from the Chief and Council of Afton First Nation.

Before commencing the program, learners are given an initial assessment by the Coordinator. She begins the basic curriculum with those whose scores are lowest, and picks up students as the group progresses through the curriculum. The program initially began with a group of learners whose literacy skills were assessed at Level 1 (i.e., below sixth grade). At present, these students are completing Level 3, and will continue on to Level 4.

Program Features:

• The program is currently staffed by one full-time practitioner (Ms. Prosper) and occasional volunteers.

• At present, the learners number 22, of which 18 are women. All students are members of the Afton First Nation community. With the exception of two students who entered the program at Level 2 (Grades 6 to 8), all learners began the program with little formal schooling. The learners began with Level 1, and have now progressed through Level 3.