A regional literacy resource collection is now housed in the Vancouver Island Regional Library in Courtenay. I encourage everyone in the region to look to the library for resources. Please contact me for information on the contents of the collection.

The six regional literacy coordinators meet two or three times a year in Vancouver and communicate regularly through conference calls and the B.C. literacy electronic network. It has been one of the best groups I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The success of the project, and the cohesive atmosphere of the regional coordinators team, is due to the women who are involved and also to the positive environment sustained by Mary Thompson Boyd. Mary, the Coordinator of Training and Regional Development for Literacy B.C., has been a constant source of encouragement, support, and professional advice for every aspect of our work in the regions.

CALLS, a non-profit organization, supports the Adult Learning Centre in Courtenay. We receive funds from Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), the Ministry of Education, Skills and Training (MoEST), fund raising events, and donations from the community.

At our easy-to-find Adult Learning Centre in downtown Courtenay, we offer one-on-one tutoring to adults in the Comox Valley. Volunteer tutors receive four days of training and make a commitment to tutor for at least six months.

Our other activities include a family literacy project, now in its second year. It is funded by the Vancouver Foundation and HRDC.

A steering committee of students meets weekly to plan events. Our Learners Event took place on April 27 and we are working on our third annual Walk for Literacy on June 8. We depend on volunteers to help us with planning and promoting the Walk.

We are able to offer these valuable services in the Comox Valley through the generous commitment that is made by our volunteers and the support of our community.