Akwesasne Literacy Program (ALC)
Adult Education Centre
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
PO Box 597
Cornwall, Ontario
K6H 5T3
Tel: (613) 575-2754
Fax: (613) 575-1478

Program Mission & Objectives:

As part of the comprehensive and well-supported Adult Education Centre, the Akwesasne Literacy Centre (ALC) offers basic literacy training designed to upgrade skills so that learners can proceed to the variety of courses available at the Centre. The Centre itself offers courses in upgrading, vocational training, life and work skills, a 20-week job-preparation placement as well as the basic literacy program.

Begun in 1995, the ALC program is a relatively new initiative. The philosophy of the program, according to coordinator Jackie Mitchell, is to encourage the learner in his or her own chosen goals. "We do not give them the moon when all they want to do for now is to stand on a stump. We will help them get there, and their self-confidence will get them to the moon if that is where they want to go. We recognize that they are the learners; that they must move at their own pace. We will lose them if they are pressured or pushed."

Using a combination of tutoring and group work, the ALC seeks to encourage its students in learning and self-confidence. Initial assessments are made upon intake, although these are fairly casual. Formal assessments of the learner’s abilities and goals are done once he or she is comfortably settled into the program.

The literacy program is very much a part of the integrated approach to adult learning at Akwesasne. Indeed both the Akwesasne Literacy Centre and the Adult Education Centre itself very much reflect the community’s commitment to lifelong learning. All programs are generously supported by the Council and community. All aspects of policy support, long-term planning and governance are offered by the Adult Education Committee of the Mohawk Council.