National Adult Literacy Database

January 16, 2006

This week, we are launching 2 stories from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Sandra Byers and Carey Rigby-Wilcox have been involved in literacy classes for a number of years.

Sandra's story was transcribed from an interview that she had with Charles Ramsey, from NALD.

Play an audio version of this story

Interview with Sandra Byers

by Sandra Byers

Charles: Hi, Sandra. I'm Charles Ramsey from the National Adult Literacy Database. Thank you very much for coming out this afternoon to meet with me. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, could you introduce yourself for the people who are going to be listening to this?

Sandra: Hi, My name is Sandra Byers, I belong to the Saskatoon Focus Group. I am a founding member of the Saskatchewan Literacy Network when it first started way back at Kelsey. I was on the Adult Learners Group then. I also have belonged to the Saskatoon Coalition Group as well. I have helped with the Raise-A-Reader fund. I helped sell newspapers one year for the Raise-A-Reader.

Charles: Wow, you've been involved in a lot of areas in literacy here in Saskatoon. Have you seen much change over all that time?

Sandra: Oh, yes I have. Quite a bit.

Charles: What kinds of things do you think have happened that have made things better for everybody?

Sandra: Well, what makes it better is that the natives have realized they have literacy problems too as well. And they are part of the network now - the national aboriginal group, and they are now coming to the adult focus group as well.

Charles: That's good. I'm here for the Saskatchewan Libraries Association conference which is taking place this weekend. Have the libraries been really active in literacy here in Saskatchewan?

Sandra: Yes, they have very much so. Susan Emson has been very helpful with the literacy groups.

Charles: And Susan works with the Saskatoon Public Library.

Sandra: At the Frances Morrison Library downtown.

Charles: That's the name of the library, the Frances Morrison Library. Susan Emson is on the Board at NALD. So I know Susan. She comes to Fredericton a couple of times a year.

Sandra: She'll be coming tonight to the Literacy Award.

Charles: Great. Have you worked with a tutor over time?

Sandra: No, I haven't. I went back to upgrade my basic education.

Charles: And was this at Kelsey?

Sandra: Yes, it was.

Charles: And how long ago was that?

Sandra: Over 10 years ago.

Charles: You've been at it for a long time, kind of both in being involved in the programs, keeping it all of it going and getting others involved.

Sandra: Yes, I also have my GED grade 12 , except for my sciences, I don't have that. But I have my GED 12.

Charles: Excellent. How long ago did you do that?

Sandra: The year after I finished my BE program, the Basic Education.

Charles: Excellent. Is there anything else you would like to say about the people you work with here in Saskatoon?

Sandra: I really enjoy working with all the people that come in to the Focus Groups meetings. We really have a nice time. They come in from Prince Albert, as far as LaRonge, Saskatchewan. We have a gentleman come up from Regina, a few people came up from North Battleford and as well Saskatoon.

Charles: Is it a fully provincial group, not just the northern part of the province?

Sandra: Yes, a fully provincial group.

Charles: Oh, I see. Thanks again for coming in today. I really appreciate this. We'll let you know when you this interview is going to be published on the NALD website so that you have a look at it and show it to other people.

Sandra: Oh, I've already talked to my sister. My sister is already involved with the literacy group in Calgary.

Charles: Excellent.