National Adult Literacy Database

April 30, 2001

This week, we are launching 4 stories written by learners from St. John's, Newfoundland. As a special event you can read their stories as well as hear them.

In May 1988, Rabbitown Learners Program opened its doors as an Adult Basic Literacy Program in response to the need for upgrading by a group of community residents. Since 1999, they are providing both Basic Literacy and Level 1 curriculum, which includes such areas as : Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Basic Computer Training and a wide range of Critical Skills. The uniqueness of their program is demonstrated through their interaction with other community agencies that they network with, thus providing an innovative and unique approach to literacy.

Barry Sullivan started the Rabbittown Learners Evening Program in March 2000. He then graduated to the full time day program in July 2000. Barry's long term goal is to finish this program and eventually go on to the College of the North Atlantic, where he hopes to enter into a cooking course or to do a trade in auto mechanics. He hopes to seek employment.

 

Play an audio version of this story

I'm Glad To Be Back In School

by Barry Sullivan

It all happened thirteen years ago. I was at Brother Rice High School and doing grade nine. But I dropped out of school because of my grandfather. When my grandfather passed away I just didn't take my work and school seriously so I quit and stayed home all day.

I never could get a job because I never had my education. If you don't have your education you can't get a job. The only thing you can do is small meaningless jobs. But you can get back in school to get your education.

I can't get my automotive papers or a cooking course without my education. Without that I can't get a job in any garage. So for me to get my education I went back to school at the Rabbittown Learners Program, When I finish up here I hope to go to the College of North Atlantic to finished my grade twelve. Then go to get my cooking course at the Long Side Club. If I can't get my cooking course then I hope to get a good job to help my family out. Now that I'm back in school I can say that I'm getting my education. I'm happy that my wife is back in school also. I hope that my three kids don't drop out of school like there mother and father did. If I get my education , I will try to get a job or come back to Rabbit town as a volunteer or a tutor. That's if I can't get my cooking course or my automotive papers. I am glad to get my education so I can tell my children that there father has his grade twelve and that my kids can tell their children that there grandfather went back to school. I hope that I do well when I get at the College of North Atlantic, When I go over there I am going to do my best to understand the work that they give me to do. I wish every one in my class the best in getting their education . But there are people that hope to have a good education. Some people only have a small amount of education. I don't like to see people without their schooling. I shouldn't have dropped out in the first place. I think that education is very important. I'm trying to do something about my life, I went back to school and I'm glad I did.