National Adult Literacy Database

June 4, 2012

This week, we have a story from Brantford, Ontario. The author, Shanda Laberge, has recently been enrolled in literacy classes at the Grand Erie District School Board Literacy and Basic Skills program in Brantford.

My Second Chance (Part 2)

by Shanda Laberge

My second chance came when I had a conversation with a worker about the possibility of a future with a grade twelve. The worker referred me to a program that social assistance runs called the L.E.A.P. program. This program helps young people with children reach their goals of furthering their education. Before I could ever think about entering a credit program, I first had to correct my reading difficulties. During a meeting with a L.E.A.P. counsellor we discussed where I would be able to go to receive help. This is when I was introduced to the Adult Literacy & Basic Skills Program. She made a call to the school and left a message saying who I was and what I was looking for.

The next day I received a phone call from the teacher of this program. She thoroughly explained how the program worked and what they offered. I was to attend an appointment where I would have an assessment done. This would determine the level I was at, and whether or not this program would be beneficial to me. I was tremendously nervous about being tested. When I arrived I was greeted by a kind teacher who made me feel quite comfortable. This made things much easier for me to complete the assessment.

Once I was finished writing the assessment we went over what the results were. She felt the program would work for me, so we discussed a start date. I wanted to start right away, but my child would need to be put in daycare while I was in school. Therefore, I would need to take a week or so to get everything organized.

My first day in the classroom was somewhat nerve-wracking, but this feeling soon faded away. The classroom environment was so much different from anything I had ever seen before. Everyone was welcoming and accepting of each other, also willing to help one another when needed. This was the complete opposite of any classroom I had every experienced.  I was not going to be made to read out loud, unless I was willing to. I was delighted that I would be able to do it when I was ready. I couldn’t have asked for a program that was more suited to help me.

I have now spent a little over a year and a half in this program. It has helped me tremendously. I’m doing things now I never thought I could be capable of.  Currently, I am attempting to complete a G.E.D. online preparation course. This will prepare me for the test. My goal is to get a G.E.D. diploma, and hopefully attend a post-secondary program. I’m not sure what kind of program yet. I would just like to find something that would help me to have a career that will be enjoyable, and allow me to provide for my child.

I am forever grateful to the kind and understanding people who have helped me get to where I am.  If it weren’t for these people running these programs I don’t think I would be where I am today. Who knows if I would have gotten my second chance?

Part 1

[This story was taken with permission, from the Laubach Literacy Ontario website, under Success Stories.]