National Adult Literacy Database

June 18, 2012

The following poem was written by Monique, from Pointe-Claire in Quebec. Monique is enrolled in literacy classes at Literacy Unlimited, in Pointe-Claire. Literacy Unlimited celebrated 30 years in 2011, and they offer many services, such as: One-On-One Tutoring, School Literacy Program, Computer Skills Training, Classroom Assistance and Tutor Training Workshops.

This I Know For Sure

by Monique

Love is kind, pure, and unconditional. This I know for sure: that my mother will always be in my heart because of the love and understanding she has shown me. I know that you have to respect your parents so that your days will be fulfilled in your lifetime.

I’m very happy to tell you that when I started to come to Literacy Unlimited I did not know that words are building blocks for sentences. Now I know how important words are.

This I know for sure: that music can be a good therapy for your mind because it removes stress and adds comfort.

Drugs can be good for your health but they can destroy your life if misused. This I know for sure.

I know that in the present war many people have lost their life fighting for our freedom.

This I know: we all need some help from each other, no one can succeed alone.

I know for sure that what I want in this life I can achieve by hard work.

I want you all to know that Literacy Unlimited has made a big difference in my life. I didn’t know how to read or write. I give thanks to the Lord and to all of my tutors who made it possible for me to accomplish what I want to be in the future, which is a nurse. This I know for sure.

[This story was taken with permission, from Write On! Student Literature - Expressing our thoughts and opinions – 2011 edition, p. 5 - published by Literacy Unlimited.]