Skip to content

Vernon-Monashee MLA pleased with literacy funding boost

Harwinder Sandhu’s NDP government rolling out new programs in fall in 128 communities, including Vernon
25741514_web1_210701_KCN_literacy-summer-programs-NEWS_1
A funding boost from her government to community-based Indigenous, adult and family literacy programs to help people gain skills in reading, writing, math and digital literacy pleases Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu. (Black Press - file photo)

Vernon-Monashee NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu says a funding boost to community-based Indigenous, adult and family literacy programs will help people gain skills in reading, writing, math and digital literacy.

The province announced Tuesday, July 6, that programs will be offered in 128 communities this fall.

The Literary Society of the North Okanagan will provide the Adult Digital Literacy Program to residents of the Greater Vernon Area.

“Most parents everywhere know the pure happiness that comes from reading bedtime stories to their children,” said Sandhu. “With these investments, even more parents will be able to share in that joy and feel more confident in their own day-to-day lives.”

Community-based Indigenous, adult and family literacy programs are provided free of charge and delivered by community organizations, Indigenous-led organizations and public-post secondary institutions.

Literacy programming typically includes one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction which supports all levels of literacy.

In 2020, many programs shifted to online service delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Democrat government is investing $2.9 million in the Community Adult Literacy Program which includes a one-time investment for 2021-22. This support will fund 97 programs, delivered by 66 organizations.

READ MORE: Public in Columbia Shuswap warned of dangers of invasive mussels

READ MORE: Nine B.C. wildfire personnel tackle fire east of Cherryville



roger@vernonmorningstar.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.