ABC Life Literacy Canada

Martin's story

Martin wanted to improve his spelling and writing skills when he was injured in an accident at work. He was nervous about returning to work because he was unable to do heavy physical labour and was unable to cope with the paperwork of a desk job. He worked with a one-on-one tutor for several months and when he returned to work was offered a Night Supervisor's job. In the past, he had declined all promotions; but after tutoring, he accepted this position and has been managing well.

Terry's story

Terry left school in Grade 6. After working in the building trade for many years, working his way up to foreman, he was injured at work and has been on long-term disability for 5 years. He called looking for a tutor in the fall of 2008. After working with his tutor for two years, he entered college to prepare for his GED in January 2011. His only regret? "Why didn't I do this five years ago?"

Yohanne's story

Civil war began in Yohanne's country when he was 10 years old. Up until that time he had been doing well in his studies at school. He found himself recruited as a child soldier and then rescued to live in a refuge camp until he immigrated to Canada. He has lived and worked here for 18 years. Now in his late twenties, he is still unable to read and write adequately. He is working at minimal-paying jobs, unable to afford full-time studies. He called Literacy Alberta to find resources to improve his literacy skills while continuing to work.

Lisa’s story

Lisa always knew that she had a talent for floral design but she felt that she needed more training to take her passion further and help live the dream of running her own floral shop.

With only a grade nine education, Lisa knew that she needed some upgrading.

How literacy has touched Lisa’s life...
“It’s a great feeling to have an understanding of math and computers, and have completed grade 12 English,” says Lisa. “I used to ask my kids for help and now they can’t get me off the computer.”

Having started out in grade 9 math, Lisa is happy to report that she’s now finishing an advanced geometry class. Enrolled in her local Adult Education Centre, she feels that without the encouragement of her excellent tutors and instructors, she would not have come this far.

“For years I was scared to go back to school. I always felt discouraged,” she says. “But I can really go somewhere now.”

Vera’s story

Vera was tired of moving around from job to job, so when she was laid off last year she used the opportunity to make a career change to Early Childhood Education, and signed up for skills upgrading courses at The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region.

“I’m very close to reaching my goal,” she said. “I need a Level 4 to apply to college and I’m currently at a LBS (literacy and basic skills) Level 3. Almost there!”

How literacy has touched Vera’s life…
Since joining the program a year ago, Vera’s life has changed dramatically. Her writing and math skills have improved significantly, and she is well on her way to pursuing her dream of becoming an Early Childhood Educator.

“There’s not a lot of jobs out there, but doing a second career is for anyone. I say, go after your goal.”

Laleta’s story

Laleta worked as a seamstress in a factory for several years until she was recently laid off. After deciding to change careers and become a Personal Support Worker, she was accepted to the Ontario government’s Second Career program and started college.

After 2 months in college, Laleta felt she needed to upgrade her skills before continuing in the Personal Support Worker program.

“I haven’t been in school for 20 years so I needed to upgrade,” she said. “If you don’t use the brain, you forget.”

How literacy has touched Laleta’s life…
Since joining the literacy program at The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region earlier this year, Laleta’s life has changed a lot.

“I’m learning so much. My son is in grade 3 and I can now help him with his math homework.”

Wayne’s story

Wayne first decided he wanted to upgrade his literacy skills when his grandson knew he was making up words while reading storybooks to him. That was two years ago, and now Wayne can read a lot better and understand what he’s reading.

How literacy has touched Wayne’s life…
“My reading, writing and spelling was bad,” he said. “Now I read more. I never read books before.” Wayne likes to read books on computers because he repairs them as a hobby.

Upgrading his literacy skills has also helped Wayne read and better understand labels and instructions at work.

“There’s a lot of reading involved in my job. I operate hazard waste, so I need to read and understand the labels.”

As for his personal life, Wayne’s grandson now tells him he’s doing a much better job at reading.

Oscar’s story

A student of Peel District School Board’s Adult Education Centre, Oscar has seen a big change in himself since enrolling in the program over two years ago.

“I’m improving almost every day,” he says. “At first I thought that it would be impossible, but now I see that it is possible to learn.”

How literacy has touched Oscar’s life…
Coached by his mother to improve his skills to prepare for college, Oscar is very thankful for the opportunity to course correct. Since becoming a student at the Adult Education Centre, he has been surprised to find that he is accomplishing many goals including completing his grade 11 math and becoming a better reader.

“I’m striving to reach my potential,” he says. “At first I didn’t really want to read but then I found stuff that I was interested in. Now I’ll keep up on the world and current events by reading the newspapers on the bus.”

Oscar continues his academic upgrading with plans to enroll in Humber College in the fall of 2011 to pursue his dream of woodworking.

“Now I see myself going forward.”

Do you have a story to share? Please contact us: info@abclifeliteracy.ca