Central Okanagan society aiding new Canadians through Project Literacy
Global News
"We support approximately between 100 and 120 learners on monthly basis. Immigrants from Ukraine right now are our largest ethnic group."
A Central Okanagan society is having one of its busiest years yet. The group has been helping a lot of refugees who’ve recently relocated to the Okanagan, learn a new language.
The Project Literacy society has been a staple in the Central Okanagan for over 35 years. On Wednesday afternoon, the group hosted a fundraiser as literacy month comes to a close across British Columbia.
“We have three main program areas, the biggest is helping adult learners with English language skills,” said Project Literacy chairperson Charlene Covington.
“We really try hard to understand what the learner needs and to match them with a tutor who can help them meet their needs to the best of our ability.”
The society also works in schools across the region, helping students keep up their literacy skills both in the classroom and at home.
“This is part of our Raise-a-Reader, this is supported by the provincial government. Whatever funds we raise in September, the government actually helps top them up in support of literacy,” said Project Literacy executive director Paul Zuurbier.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Project Literacy has seen a huge uptick in the number of learners as the Central Okanagan has become a new home for many refugees.
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