By Aman Singh
NDP MLA for Richmond -Queensborough
Literacy should never be a barrier. I am proud that our government is supporting people to succeed. That is why we are increasing funding to this program by $500,000 and investing a total of $3.4 million annually so that people across the province can gain essential skills that will give them more confidence in reading, writing, math and using a computer at work, school, and in their own life.
By increasing literacy and numeracy proficiencies among adults, we are helping people meet the increasing demands of the labour market while meeting the individual needs of adult learners, including Indigenous people, newcomers, and people with disabilities.
These locally run programs support people from all walks of life and from all different backgrounds no matter where they might be in their literacy journey. The grants will be used by community organizations, Indigenous-led organizations, and public post-secondary institutions to help as many folks as we can and make sure none fall through the cracks. By connecting with people from the intersectional frameworks they are most comfortable with, we are working to reduce institutional barriers that remain as obstacles for people in our diverse province.
Skills in literacy are not limited to the individual but can also benefit the entire family. When parents feel confident in their own skills, they are in a better position to help their children with homework and develop a lifelong love of reading.
An estimated 700,000 people in B.C. have significant challenges with literacy and this government is committed to ensuring each of them have access to resources to thrive now and into the future. The programs are delivered in the community rather than formal classrooms, so students feel at home and comfortable in their surroundings.
The Community Adult Literacy Program provides an opportunity for adults to invest in their skills to not only benefit themselves but their entire families. By upskilling today, people will be more prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
