The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) free Learning for Life event offered participants a chance to learn leading edge skills and hear first-hand about the Columbia Basin Trust’s new $1.32 million funding commitment.
“The Learning for Life event is just one example of CBAL reaching out to share information with people in the communities we serve,” said executive director Ali Wassing. “Having the Columbia Basin Trust funding presentation and signing during the event was unique, and gave participants an opportunity to meet the Columbia Basin Trust face-to-face.”
Allison Alder, chair of upgrading and development at Selkirk College, opened the event discussing the impact of social intelligence on learning to the 60 participants from around the region.
Alder explained the role social intelligence plays when connecting with learners — and its importance in helping them fulfil needs, accept change, move forward and adapt to a new culture and language.
The event included four workshops on important literacy and learning topics. Christy Luke, Adult Basic Education instructor at Selkirk College, shared essential skill tips. Wendy Tagami, also an Adult Basic Education instructor and a CBAL board member, led the numeracy workshop. Danny Beatty, ESL/TESOL instructor, provided practical classroom activities and teaching ideas. Liz Gillis, CBAL Community Literacy Coordinator, Nakusp and Arrow Lakes, discussed working with older adults.
“Danny said a lot of things I really related to,” said participant Sandy Nakano, a volunteer literacy tutor in Cranbrook. “You can see the cross-over between ESL and literacy.”
“The value of what CBAL does, focussing on older adults and encouraging learning, means we are doing it right,” said Liz Gillis. “We have an important role to play in healthy aging in our communities and our citizens.”
The event, held during International Adult Learners’ Week, took place at key CBAL supporter Selkirk College’s Silver King Campus in Nelson. Registrations filled up quickly, and future events are being planned.