BURNABY – NDP MLAs Janet Routledge and Anne Kang say a funding boost to a community-based adult literacy program at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House will help people gain skills in reading, writing, math, and digital literacy.

“Whether it’s applying for a job, making a household budget, or reading to their kids, literacy and numeracy skills help people build a stronger future for themselves and their families,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “Programs like this one at Burnaby Neighbourhood House help to break down barriers so everyone in our city can achieve their full potential.”

The Burnaby Neighbourhood House received $30,689.09 in funding to support their adult literacy program for the 2021/22 year.

“The everyday impact of building literacy in our communities will be felt for generations,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “For many adult learners, literacy programs are an important first step in an educational journey to post-secondary studies as they work towards career and life goals for themselves and their families.”

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 in 128 communities throughout the province.

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.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/24836