Plenty of community-based programs dedicated to tackling low literacy rates in Tantramar region

The numbers tell a troubling story.

According to the International Adult Literacy and Learning Survey, 56 per cent of adult New Brunswickers don't have the basic literacy skills needed to function well at home or at work.

As well, 29 per cent of New Brunswick businesses experience difficulties with operational and other training due to employees' low literacy and numeracy skills; while 34 per cent of all employees surveyed experience difficulty taking on new work assignments due to literacy and numeracy levels.

And, the most distressing of all, Canadians with low literacy skills are said to be 71 per cent more likely to be unemployed.

But literacy advocates in the Tantramar region, however, aren't taking this problem lying down. They have, for the past decade and more, embarked on several very ambitious initiatives to deal with the serious concerns facing the area.

"There is so much going on in our area and there are so many people involved with trying to raise the literacy level," says Cynthia Adams, longtime teacher/facilitator with the Tantramar Adult Learning Centre.

A variety of community-based programs - from the early-language Talk With Me program, to Mount Allison Student Tutors (MAST) in the local schools, to the Canadian Federation of University Women offering tutoring services, to the Tantramar Family Resource Centre activities, to Laubach, to the local library events, and the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) - are available and provide literacy opportunities to local residents of all ages.

"There are multiple literacy exposures for individuals within the Tantramar area," says Adams. "And we just want people to know there are many facets to what is going on in our communities to help tackle this."

Bill Trentini, chair of the Tantramar Adult Learning Centre's community committee, says it's challenging for anyone who doesn't have basic literacy skills to survive in today's society.

Many people, he says, face limitations with simple everyday skills such as reading road signs or checking medication directions or helping their kids with homework.

"It's a huge issue," says Trentini, pointing out that a large percentage of adults attempt to hide or mask their illiteracy.

But programs like the Tantramar Adult Learning Centre can help, he says. TALC offers flexible adult learning opportunities - from basic literacy to GED preparation.

Through classroom and online skills training, the service is free to all learners over the age of 18.

"Our main goal is to provide adult upgrading in reading, writing and mathematics," Adams explains.

But she insists that the Community Adult Learning Program is so much more than that. It's an initiative that changes lives.

"Our approach is holistic . . . it's not just restricted to math and English. This opens a door for them and builds their confidence," she says.

Trentini agrees wholeheartedly.

"It's not just school, it's dealing with the whole person," he says.

"And you get to see such a change in their personalities. It's gratifying to see them blossom."

Each student has a different goal when attending the centre, which makes each experience unique, says Adams.

The Tantramar Adult Learning Centre, which is celebrating 15 years of service this year, will commemorate the occasion with an open house, which will be held next Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

One of the longest-running adult literacy programs in the province, TALC is based out of the octagonal house off of King and Main Streets in Sackville.

Adams says she and some of her students, along with the committee members, will be on hand to offer the community a glimpse into the inner workings of the centre.

"We're hoping it will make the public aware of where we're located, to see some of the curriculum we use, and to meet some of the students," Adams says.

TALC is also hoping to attract potential students who may not be aware of the centre's existence.

For inquiries about enrollment or the open house, contact Cynthia Adams at 536-0245 or 536-2204.