The Paul Gallagher |
Literacy BC |
Literacy BC provides financial resources to community-based adult learning centres through the Paul Gallagher Community Access Fund. The fund is named in memory of former Literacy BC President Paul Gallagher. It is intended to enable Learning Centres to assist their adult students with emergency needs, such as transport, childcare, clothing, books or other costs that would make the difference between attending and not attending their literacy/ABE program. “The Paul Gallagher Fund enabled students to pay for a number of emergency needs including groceries, bus fare, clothes, basic school supplies and indispensable household items. Most of these students would have found it impossible to attend our adult literacy classes without the support of the Gallagher Fund.” Challenging financial barriers prevent far too many British Columbians from being able to improve their basic skills and achieve their goals. The people and organisations who work with these learners in communities across the province are well-placed to identify their needs and channel the assistance that can support them. Successful applicants are required to administer the funds locally and provide Literacy BC with a brief report on how the funds were used and the impact they had. Priority is given to those learning centres that demonstrate the greatest need for assistance related to student access. Dozens of awards worth either $500 or $1000 are granted every year. Awards are determined by the Allocation Committee of the Literacy BC Board. To apply, please download the application form and send it by May 30, 2008 to: Literacy BC Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Awards are granted and distributed in August. Applicants will not be notified of the status of their application before then. Awards will not exceed $1000. "My father spent his entire working life in pursuit of novel approaches to the delivery of education within the community. He strongly believed in the right of all persons to have access to educational opportunities. He was a strong advocate for the disadvantaged in our society, and particularly those disadvantaged in the access to education. The establishment of a Community Access Fund in his name is a great honour to him and his life's work." Donate now - help us keep the Gallagher Community Access Fund going “Without generous donations such as bursaries, grants and scholarships provided by organisations such as yours, the achievement of financial, career and family stability would remain a mere dream” (from a student who received funds through the Community Access Fund) “The Paul Gallagher Fund has allowed us to act in fiscally supportive ways for our students when they face unexpected costs related to school or life. Since the fund is removed from us personally, students feel thankful but not indebted to their instructors.” “The transportation reimbursement was very important for a single mother who drove here 3 times a week for 5 months. It seems like this kind of small, no-strings-attached financial support says 'someone believes in you' to our clients! We want to say a big thank you for this funding. It makes our programs more inviting and supportive in the small ways that sometimes mean so much.” “Our school is like an old-fashioned one room school. While one learner may be working toward her GED, another may be working on basic math and reading. The majority are referred from the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance. 95% are Aboriginal. Transportation in the winter months is the biggest obstacle learners face. Winter can set in as early as October and stay until April. Having extra funds available for bus passes and cab fare for people with disabilities and parents with small children can make a big difference.”
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