National Adult Literacy Database

June 29, 2009

This week, we have two stories from Prince George, BC.  Diane Paquet and Benjamin Stepski are enrolled in Literacy classes at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.

Diane Paquet left school in grade six; she was a foster child and experienced abuse. She married very young and raised a family of five children. Diane also has three grandchildren. She is now doing tutorial sessions at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre after going through hardship due to family issues. Her long-term goal is to obtain her High school diploma and help others in her community.

Story

by Diane Paquet

I left school in grade six. I was a foster child, experienced abuse and married at fourteen years old. I raised a family of five children as well as three grandchildren. Most of my children have graduated from high school and have continued on to careers; even pursuing Masters degrees. My granddaughter is graduating from high school this year; in October of 2008 I had the opportunity to return to school via a literacy program.

Learning how to read and write at fifty-two years old; I am very excited with the opportunities this has opened up for me. My long term goal is to obtain my grade 12 diploma and continue on to support other in my community who has had the same experiences. I wish to assist them in finding the same opportunities that I have discovered. I would like to help others to come back and find opportunities to their education.