National Adult Literacy Database

December 13, 1999

I would like to introduce three learners from the "Bridges to Employment" program who will read stories written about their thoughts on Culture and Politics. Julie San Jose, Nariman Ayed and M.P. are learners who regularly attend a 10 week Pre-employment/Vocational Upgrading program. This program is sponsored by Employment Projects for Women Inc. in partnership with Adult Literacy and Continuing Education, Manitoba Education and Training. The "Bridges to Employment" program provides Canadian and Foreign born individuals the opportunity to learn English, mathematics, an introduction to computers and employment preparation.

Play an audio version of this story

How Politics Affects Our Lives

by Julie San Jose and Nariman Ayed

Bridges to Employment has been a great experience for me. It has provided me with knowledge, friends and a valuable learning experience. Attending school has given me not only the opportunity to learn, but also to meet people from many different countries, to learn from them, to have the chance to make some new friends, to laugh and have fun with them.

Important subjects such as math, English, computer and résumé writing leave me with precious information which helps me face the job market with confidence.

This course also gave me the opportunity to be part of history, as the first province in Canada, when the Premier of Manitoba, Honourable Gary Filmon signed the proclamation on January 27th, 1999 and declared Family Literacy Day in Manitoba. I also had the opportunity to meet and talk to him and have pictures taken with him, my classmates and other people who were also present.

Overall attending Bridges to Employment has been a great experience. I am grateful that I live in Canada and thankful to the government that supports and encourages programs and opportunities and make them available to people like us.