In one letter of support for Program for Adult Learning (PAL) volunteer Linda Weir, it reads “Linda’s tireless efforts have afforded many community residents with an opportunity to enhance their literacy,” and another letter reads “Linda has an attitude of life-long learning.”
These letters of support, along with Weir’s 20 years of literacy work, awarded her the Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning award, with only two other Albertans receiving the provincial award.
The award recognizes people who have inspired life-long learning and many people in the Lac La Biche community felt that Weir’s work needed some recognition.
“I was quite surprised when I found out,” said Weir, who has helped spearhead many LLB programs like Books for Babies, Rhyme Time and English Language Learning.
For Weir, it all started 20 years ago when she attended the International Year of Literacy conference in Edmonton. For the local volunteer, the conference opened doors for her she didn’t know existed.
“I just knew that I had dropped into something that I could continue,” she said.
Having to recently step down as PAL Coordinator due to medical reasons, Weir has helped several students over the years and continues to do so. Fellow tutors say that Weir is much deserving of the award and has helped countless students in the past.
“She goes into the community, finds the needs and then works with the folks,” said Mel Kuprowsky, PAL’s temporary Coordinator, adding that one of her initiatives, the Books for Babies program, has seen a lot of success.
The program gives new moms a bag of books and other information when they arrive at the hospital to get their baby’s immunization shots done. The program encourages moms to read to their babies because by reading to your baby at a young age, it helps them become used to the rhythm of reading, become better with their speech and gives them a good beginning before they even go to school, said Weir.
Tutors with the local PAL office currently have 10 learners under their wings, learning English as a Second Language or part of their Essential Skills program, which teaches skills like computer use and working with others.
Several of their learners are immigrants who have moved to the Lac La Biche area, and lack conversational English and other routine practices many Canadians take for granted. Kathy Lawson, Chairman for PAL’s Management Committee, says that a lot of her adult learners are more motivated to learn English if they have children in the school system.
“It initiates the need to learn English,” said Lawson, adding that tutors are willing to accommodate their students by coming to their homes and tutoring at different hours.
Lessons with any of PAL’s volunteers are free and for more information on the other services they offer, call 780-623-2477.