7. BC Winners of the 2004 Canada Post Literacy Awards

Canada Post has announced the winners of its 2004 Literacy Awards. These awards, in four categories, recognize grass roots literacy initiatives and celebrate the achievements of learners, educators, community organizations, volunteers and business leaders. We congratulate all the winners and finalists:

• Individual Achievement Awards celebrate the achievements of learners who successfully overcome social or economic barriers by improving literacy skills. This year’s BC winner is Constance M. Hansey of Nanaimo. Constance found it difficult to express her thoughts and did not believe she had any value. When she realized her daughter was becoming her mirror image, she knew it was time for a change and went back to school. Besides now being able to mentor her daughter, Constance has also become the Chairperson for the Harewood Family of Community Schools and is starting a writing group for adult literacy learners.

• Educator Awards honour English and French-speaking educators, tutors, and advocates who have demonstrated a commitment to the cause of literacy. One of five educator awards this year goes to Carol Forbes of Campbell River. Beginning as an adult learner, Carol went on to become the co-ordinator of a Continuing Education Adult Literacy Program, founding director of the Campbell River Community Literacy Association and trainer to more than 60 volunteer tutors. She also takes part in fundraising campaigns and continues to coach adult learners.

• Community Leadership Awards recognize and honour non-profit, volunteer and labour organizations that have demonstrated long-term achievement, innovation, leadership and organizational excellence in furthering the cause of literacy. Two winners were named in this category:

• • Building Learning Together (BLT), Qualicum.
    BLT champions family literacy and fosters the development of innovative early learning programs. One example is the BLT Backpack program, featuring 180 child-sized backpacks of language-enriched books and toys, which are lent to young learners. The backpacks are taken to community sites by the Words on Wheels Outreach Literacy Bus.

  • Project Literacy Victoria (PLV), Victoria
    Each year, 75 PLV volunteer tutors donate more than 20,000 hours to provide free one-on-one help and support in basic reading, writing, math and life skills to 130 adult learners. One of the newer programs, Larning Webs, is a computer lab where learners can work independently or with a tutor to access online resources or courses.