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News from B.C. Learners in Prince George have had their writing featured on the National Adult Literacy Data-base (NALD) Story of the Week. Pat Hanki, Regional Literacy Coordinator in New Caledonia, sends us this report: On Valentine’s Day a group of eight learners had their stories and poems launched onto NALD’s Story of the Week. The learners attend various programs in Prince George: Native Friendship Centre’s Refocus program, College and Career Prep (at the College), and VALT (Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutoring). Back in November, Charles Ramsey, Executive Director of NALD visited Prince George and recorded the stories. The NALD technicians prepared the stories for the launching — the technology was as easy as pushing a button. (Although there was a fair amount of stress involved in the preceding moments to the launch, with the room full of people eagerly waiting for the stories to appear and my doubts about it all working.) Everything worked out well though, with RealAudio allowing us to hear the learners read their own stories. The audience included fellow students (a whole ESL class), parents, family members, teachers, tutors, and College administration. It was a very emotional event due to the nature of some of the writings and reactions from some of the learners and guests. Since this event, other groups in the region have been asking me how our region might publish more learner writings News from B.C. on the Internet, whether on NALD or through the setup of our own regional learner’s site. I’ve contacted NALD about this and am waiting to hear what they suggest. This activity turned out really well, and I would recommend it to other groups to try. There was great feedback from all concerned. Literacy Nanaimo… Sunday, February 27 was a day for looking back and looking forward as friends, tutors, volunteers, staff, current and former members and guests mingled at Literacy Nanaimo’s 10th Anniversary Celebration. About 200 people turned out for the celebration, which featured door prizes, silent auction, photograph display, speakers and refreshments. The community group moved to a new location in November 1999, and now has all its programs and facilities housed under one roof. Literacy Nanaimo is now located in a former hardware store at 19 Commercial Street. “It’s a great location in an historic building that is highly visible,” says Executive Director Carolyn McWhinnie. The three floor facility includes offices and tutoring space upstairs, the used bookstore on the main floor, and the new computer recycling depot in the basement.
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