Flight for Freedom Award Lands in B.C.

Two Literacy B.C. board members have won national recognition for their achievements in literacy.

Carol Bossio and Ingrid Braathen were named co-winners in the Individual Achievement category, western region, of the 1997 Canada Post Flight for Freedom awards.

Carol and Ingrid received a trophy and a $500 cheque to donate to the literacy organization of their choice at the Flight for Freedom awards gala in Toronto on Sunday, September 7.

The award recognizes individuals who took part in a recognized literacy program in their community or workplace and who improved their literacy skills.

Carol, who learned to read as a student at The Write Place in Parksville, planned the first Walk for Literacy in that community three years ago. Ingrid, who worked with a tutor through the Community Adult Literacy and Learning Society (CALLS) in Courtenay, initiated the Walk for Literacy there in 1995. Both have remained active organizers of these annual fundraising events .

Last year they joined forces to produce Walk for Literacy -- A Step in the Right Direction, a how-to book for people who want to organize a walk in their community. This year, a revised version of the book will be widely distributed to the literacy field, locally and nationally.

Learner Event Applications Ready

Applications for Learner Events - a chance for students to plan events to talk about issues that are important to them and to share common experiences - are now available.

The "Learners Talking to Learners" (1997/ 1998) project will sponsor approximately 32 events across the province. These can be, for example, a workshop, play, conference, or open house, and can involve small groups of 10 or 15 students or larger groups that include people from the community.

Learners take part in all aspects of organization - they host, plan and evaluate the event. Planning the event is intended to help improve reading, writing, math and organizing skills.

Any group of adult literacy learners may apply. Proposals are approved by the Learner Event Advisory Committee made up of learners and instructors from across B.C.

The deadline for applications is November 28, 1997.

Application forms are available from:

Joyce Cameron
Learners Talking to Learners
c/o 326 -- 12th Street
New Westminster, B.C. V3M 4H6
Phone: (604) 439-7714

Or call Literacy B.C. at 1-800-663-1293.