National Adult Literacy Database

January 14, 2002

This week, we are launching three stories written by students from Nanaimo, British Columbia. As a special event you can read their stories as well as hear them, with the audio player.

Literacy Nanaimo was founded in 1990 as a community based literacy organization. They maintain a partnership with the local university-college and assist with the coordination of their Volunteer Tutor Program. Many individuals find it less threatening to access literacy programs through Literacy Nanaimo's downtown storefront. They provide computer equiped tutoring rooms and a large library of resource materials.

This story was written by Omer Cormier. Omer is 59 years old. He was born in New Brunswick. He travelled and worked all across Canada, ending up in Nanaimo, BC. Omer started working with a Volunteer Tutor about a year and a half ago and is currently registered at Malaspina University-College.

 

Play an audio version of this story

Story

by Omer Cormier

Hi, My Dear Friends.

Today I want to return what was given to me from my heart. I said it is never too late to learn. When there are places like Nanaimo Literacy that open their hearts to me, nine months ago. I believe God answered my prayers after being sober twenty-one years. I was born in New Brunswick and my parents couldn't read or write we were French. I grew up in an Alcoholic home. We were very poor and my father was very abusive. I quit school at grade four. I never learned to read or write. My way of thinking is not to give up.

Two years ago I lost my job I became very depressed after working at hard labor for thirty-five years of my life. I went to the Ministry for help and they did not offer me any support I needed. I had my pride. The Ministry people degraded me because I could not read or write. I was treated like I was stupid when I knew I was not. I was automatically judged because I couldn't read or write and was treated like a second-class citizen. I don't deserve to be treated like that.

I was very angry but I will never give up!

Today I'm taking Math and English at the College. My goal is to write a book. I never thought I would have a second chance. Nanaimo Literacy opened that door for me. I will forever be grateful to my friends at Nanaimo Literacy.

Thank you,