Today is the day—Thursday, Oct. 10, Black Press and the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) are collecting donations for the 3rd Annual Reach a Reader event!
This year proceeds from the sale of the Boundary Creek Times will go to Girl’s Eye View (GEV), a West Boundary initiative that was borne out of the Safer Boundary Initiative six years ago. They meet throughout the school year.
The stimulus behind GEV was that parents of tweens recognized a need for programming for their young daughters who were transitioning into adolescence. GEV is now entering its sixth year.
Girls meet once a month throughout the school year. Each month has a different theme and the goal is to promote teambuilding and meaningful conversation within the group. Topics include extending babysitting skills through literacy activities, relationships, journaling, beauty and self-care, healthy choices around drugs and alcohol, the “puberty” talk, and gratitude.
The program aims to develop positive self-esteem in young women before they enter high school; to provide a space for young women to speak their own mind and express themselves in a safe and accepting environment, using tools such as photography, journaling and guided conversation.
“By making a donation to the Reach a Reader campaign, you are supporting literacy programs in your community,” said Sheila Dobie, CBAL community literacy coordinator for the Boundary region. “Thank you for making the difference.”
If someone wants to donate and can’t make it to Greenwood, they can call the Times office at 250-445-2233 up to 4:30 p.m. and make a donation by phone.
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is the Columbia Basin and Boundary region not-for-profit literacy organization. CBAL programs support seniors, adults, families, youth and children of all ages improve English, reading, writing, numeracy, computer and workplace skills.
In the Boundary Region, family literacy programs aim to provide parents and caregivers with the skills needed to support their children’s literacy development.
As well, CBAL offers a number of adult literacy programs that provide adult learners with the tools and skills needed to be successful in the modern world. The English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance program provides new Canadians with the fundamentals in English conversation, reading and writing. Basic computer programs offer the beginning computer user the skills needed to use computers on a daily basis.
One to One tutoring program helps adults who would like to improve their literacy skills. Trained volunteer tutors offer assistance based on the learner’s goals.
All of the adult programs have opportunities for volunteer tutors—this is a remarkable way to give back to our community. Volunteer tutors are given 10 hours of free training and ongoing support and resources. In some cases, volunteers are working with a facilitator, however the One to One program is just that- one on one, learner to tutor.
Are you interested in attending a literacy program or volunteering for a literacy program? More information about local literacy programs is available online at cbal.org or contact Sheila Dobie at sdobie@cbal. org or cell 250-584-4109.