Student Support
Group

The Student Support Group has been in existence for many years. It was initiated by Linda Levesque who recognized the need for adult students to have some input and influence upon the activities of the Executive Council. Linda is a tutor and executve member and has worked diligently to get the students to become more involved. To get the group functioning has been a struggle. Adult learners often have a difficult time overcoming years of low self-esteem. They are very reluctant to get involved in anything that appears to announce to everyone the situation they are in. Being a non-reader, or a poor reader, has a stigma attached that seems to label them as flawed individuals in our society. The aim of the Support Group is to educate the student, as well as the general public, that he has value, that he will be accepted by society, that an adult learner has nothing to be ashamed of. Various activities throughout the year offer the students an opportunity to get involved and participate.

Students are given the opportunity to attend educational seminars, training workshops, and group social events. They are encouraged through these activities to become contributing members of society. Ideas and comments are accepted with respect and compassion. Just as we all must accept change and adjustment in this constantly changing world the students, with help from their tutors and others, must learn to meet the challenge of learning to overcome those things which prevent them from achieving their goals and aspirations in life.

An involved student volunteer -
JAMES MITTON:

James has been a willing and active student for several years in Moncton. He was one of the original members of the Student Support Group which began in September of 1994. At first James was just a smiling face in the background and was content to be at various events to meet people and observe what was happening. But, at the same time, he was always willing to lend a hand when there was work to be done; he knew how to pitch in and help out. Later on he was elected to the position of Student Representative on the literacy council. Since accepting that role James has not missed one meeting of the executive council nor has he ever missed a meeting of the Student Support Group. Added to his many responsibilities he is also a member of the NB Student Advisory Committee.

James attended the LLC Ottawa '99 Conference and received an Award of Merit from the Governor General, Romeo LeBlanc.

At the LLNB Conference in Moncton in 1999 James and his wife, Evelyn, co-hosted the Meet and Greet Lounge at the motel where many of the conference people from across the province were staying. Many attended and it was a great success.

James has taken part in several learning workshops on such topics as Self Esteem, Public Speaking, and Student Leadership. He has never refused to speak on behalf of Learners for media functions and also at basic tutor workshops. He is quietly gaining more and more confidence and is developing his leadership skills.

At the "Story Time" at the Moncton Boys & Girls Club in April 2000 James was one of several students who read to the children. During the BBQ in June he spoke to the assembled crowd of tutors and students about his trip to the May 2000 Gander Conference and the new student TREE project. With a ready smile and a cheerful personality we are all very much enriched by knowing James and working with him for the cause of literacy.