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Adult literacy contest through Adult Learning
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
The Smoky River Adult Learning and Literacy office is sponsoring a photo contest throughout our region from Sept. 8 to Oct. 2.
Did you know according to an International Adult Literacy and Skills survey about 42 per cent of Adult Canadians have low literacy skills. On a local level almost 40 per cent of Albertans don’t have literacy skills needed to meet increasing demands of today’s information.
“You (people from around the region) are invited to submit a picture of one or more adults reading something besides a book,” says Smoky River Adult Literacy coordinator Maureen Brochu. “This can include a grocery flyer, an instruction manual, a map, a child’s homework, a phone bill, or any number of other items. You will be eligible to win a prize.”
Brochu explains draws will be made for entries from the communities of Girouxville, Falher, Donnelly, and McLennan.
When you submit your photo, you are asked to include the photographer’s name, address, phone number and a few words about the subject of the picture (who is the person and what is he/she reading?).
You can enter as many photos as you wish by sending photos by email to srlit@telus.net, by mail at Smoky River Adult Literacy, Box 210, Falher, T0H 1M0, or by dropping by the Smoky River Adult Literacy office in the MD of Smoky River building on Main Street in Falher.
The winners will be notified and all entries will be on display at various locations in our communities shortly after the draw date of Oct. 5.
Literacy skills are used on a daily basis to make life easier. When we read an address, a map, a newspaper, or to read an apply for a job, we are using literacy skills.
The goal of Smoky River Adult Literacy is to ensure every individual has the opportunity to use and improve their literacy skills.
According to “The Way In”, a book published pertaining to literacy, a literate population is a healthier population. As literacy improves, wellness and prevention go up, acute and chronic care costs go down.
Literate adults and seniors are far better equipped to maintain their independence and quality of life, thus lessening the need for social services.
Also according to the study, people with higher literacy rates are not as likely to be in trouble with the law. Many people in trouble with the law, particularly chronic offenders, have lower literacy skills than the general population. Early prevention plans that include literacy can help reduce the risks of criminal actions that are associated with poverty, unemployment and isolation.
“Literacy also includes listening, speaking, using technology, number skills, interpersonal communication, problem solving, and lifelong learning,” says Brochu. “People use literacy to function in society, achieve goals and develop their knowledge and potential.”
The Smoky River Adult Literacy contest is to help celebrate International Literacy Day on Sept. 8.
There has been a decline in literacy scores among Canadian youth. Twenty-five per cent of Alberta youth do not complete high school within five years.
According to the published book, a high school education is no guarantee that a person has the literacy skills they need to succeed. Employers require higher levels of literacy and education than ever before.
Literacy must also be maintained. Those who do not practice their skills at work, home, school, or in the community risk losing their skills over time.
Brochu and the Smoky River Adult Literacy volunteers urge you to catch an individual in your community practising their literacy skills.
Enter the contest and help to show what literacy entails.
Adult literacy also encourages you to become a volunteer tutor, with free training and resources available.
“If you have one or two hours per week to spare, we can help you help others,” says Brochu. “If you know of someone who would like to improve their literacy skills in English or French, please encourage them to register for our free, confidential tutoring.”
For more information on becoming a tutor or how to enter the photo contest, please phone Smoky River Adult Literacy coordinator Maureen Brochu at 780-837-3013.
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