CENTRAL OKANAGAN COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT 23 … · 2016-03-02 · Central Okanagan District Literacy Plan Progress Report June 2015 6 age of the population is 445 and rising,

CENTRAL OKANAGAN COMMUNITY

AND SCHOOL DISTRICT 23 LITERACY PLAN

PROGRESS REPORT

Submitted by:

Laura Smith

Literacy Outreach Coordinator

June 2015

School District No. 23 Decoda Literacy Ministry of Education

(Central Okanagan) Solutions

http://decoda.ca/

2

CENTRAL OKANAGAN

PARTNERS FOR LITERACY

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................... 4

PART 2 - CENTRAL OKANAGAN PARTNERS FOR LITERACY – TASK GROUP .................................. 5

PART 3 - COMMUNITY CONTEXT .............................................................................................................. 5

PART 4 - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LITERACY COLLABORATION ....................................... 7 June 2014 – July 2014 ................................................................................................ 7

August 2014 – September 2014 ................................................................................. 7

October 2014 – November 2014 ................................................................................. 7

December 2014 – January 2015 ................................................................................. 8

February 2015 – March 2015 ...................................................................................... 8

April 2015 – May 2015 ................................................................................................ 8

PART 5 - GOALS AND ACTIONS (2014/2015) ........................................................................................... 9

PART 6 - CENTRAL OKANAGAN DISTRICT LITERACY PLAN (2009-2015) – IN PROGRESS ........... 10

PART 7 - SUCCESSES .............................................................................................................................. 15

PART 8 - CHALLENGES ............................................................................................................................ 17

PART 9 - MOVING FORWARD (2015/2016) .............................................................................................. 18

Central Okanagan District Literacy Plan Progress Report

June 2015

4

PART 1 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

It has been a busy year for the Central Okanagan Partners for Literacy (COPFL). After

spending last year revising our District Literacy Plan, the committee decided to change our

focus from strictly being an advisory board to one that organizes specific projects that address

the goals in our District Literacy Plan. In order to support this shift, networking has continued to

be a focal point this year. Being that the Central Okanagan is a large community, growing our

literacy network helps the committee to have a better idea of the literacy services offered in the

region and increases enthusiasm amongst the group on how to collaborate with each other.

The shift has been a success! We have continued to have new members join the committee

and long-term members have become more involved in initiating and helping to organize

events. Through the collaboration and effort of the Partners for Literacy members we were able

to plan three events this year: Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week, a Literacy Audit and a

Plain Language workshop.

In my role as the LOC for the Central Okanagan I continue to be encouraged by the enthusiasm

and willingness of so many different sectors of our community to be involved with literacy work.

On a personal note, I recently received noticed that the adoption process my husband and I

have been waiting on is moving forward and we will soon be welcoming home twin boys.

Consequently, I will be starting a parental leave shortly. I will miss being involved with the

literacy work in the Central Okanagan over the next year. Thank you to everyone that has

supported me in this role over the last two years. I have enjoyed working with all of you. You

have helped to expand my literacy knowledge and taught me why this work is so important. I

trust that the committee and the new LOC will continue this valuable work. I look forward to

seeing what you accomplish over the next year!

Thank you.

Laura Smith

Literacy Outreach Coordinator


June 2015

5

PART 2 - CENTRAL OKANAGAN PARTNERS FOR LITERACY – TASK GROUP

The Central Okanagan Partners for Literacy committee has been pleased to welcome several

new members to our group over the past year. Our committee meets four times each year and

works hard to implement our District Literacy Plan. The committee members who participated in

the 2014 -2015 Partners for Literacy committee meetings, or who received regular committee

updates through the meeting minutes, include representatives from the following agencies:

Kelowna Child Care Society

Metro UP Financial Asset & Literacy Foundation

Okanagan Boys and Girls Club

Okanagan Regional Library

Okanagan College

Peter’s – Your Independent Grocer Store

Project Literacy Kelowna Society

Regional District of West Kelowna

School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan)

Seniors Outreach & Resource Centre

Society for Learning in Retirement

Success By 6

The Bridge Youth & Family Services

University of British Columbia – Okanagan

Westbank First Nation

PART 3 - COMMUNITY CONTEXT

The Central Okanagan is a diverse area situated beside the scenic Okanagan Lake, surrounded

by mountains, and covered with a landscape of vineyards and orchards. The region

encompasses nearly 3000 square kilometres1 and extends from Lake Country in the north,

through the city of Kelowna and West Kelowna (on the opposite side of Okanagan Lake), to

Peachland in the South.

The region is home to 184 744 people2 with the Central Okanagan experiencing a 10.8%3

growth in population from 2006 to 2011. In particular we see an increase in immigrant families

settling in the region with 6%4 of the population identifying themselves as a visible minority.

Growth also comes from interprovincial and intraprovincial (within BC) migration. The median


June 2015

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age of the population is 445 and rising, with 19.3%6 of the Central Okanagan population being 65

years of age and older. The median after-tax family income is $53, 7447 which is lower than the

provincial median and partly due to the fact that a high percentage of the population is retired

and doesn’t have an income. In 2012, the Central Okanagan had an unemployment rate of

6.8%8, which is slightly above the provincial rate of 6.7%9. The top three industries that account

for employment in the region are the trades, healthcare and social assistance, and

construction10.

There are many factors that attract people to the Central Okanagan. First, the region boasts

one of the most comfortable climates in Canada. The summers are hot and dry, while the

winters are below freezing, but quite mild. As well, there is a diverse economy in the region

ranging from agriculture, forestry, mining, technology, and tourism, providing job opportunities in

many different sectors. The Central Okanagan also offers opportunities for post-secondary

training through Okanagan College and the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Having

these post-secondary institutions allow for local students to remain in the area after high school

and also attract many students from regions around the globe. Lastly, the Central Okanagan

offers numerous wineries and diverse outdoor recreation activities, including golf, water sports,

hiking, hunting, fishing and skiing. This wide range of activities draws many new residents and

thousands of tourists to the region each year.

References:

1. Central Okanagan Foundation Vital Signs 2013.

www.vitalsignscanada.ca/files/localreports/2013_CentralOK_report.pdf

2. Statistics Canada, 2012. Central Okanagan, British Columbia. Census Profile. 2011 Census. Statistics

Canada. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census_recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E



4. http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/files/localreports/2013_CentralOk_report.pdf



6. Central Okanagan Foundation Vital Signs 2013.

www.vitalsignscanada.ca/files/localreports/2013_CentralOK_report.pdf

7. Statistics Canada 2013. Central Okanagan, RD, British Columbia. National Household Survey Profile.

2011

8. National Household Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue. Ottawa. http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-

enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E



http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/files/localreports/2013_CentralOK_report.pdf

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census_recensement/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E


http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/files/localreports/2013_CentralOk_report.pdf


http://www.vitalsignscanada.ca/files/localreports/2013_CentralOK_report.pdf

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-%20%20%20enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E

http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-%20%20%20enm/2011/dp-pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E




June 2015

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PART 4 - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND LITERACY COLLABORATION

June 2014 – July 2014

COPFL Meeting: June 16, 2014 - welcomed Vera Ito

Attended regional LOC meeting in Salmon Arm

Preliminary planning with partners for Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week

Preliminary planning for Literacy Audits / Spelling Bee with Project Literacy

Participated in Decoda’s webinar “Fee for Service”

Participated in Decoda’s webinar “Hosting Successful Fundraising Events”

District Literacy Plan for 2013-2014 presented to School District No. 23 & COPFL

Submitted District Literacy Plan to Decoda and Ministry

Submitted On-line Report to Decoda

Submitted Financial Report to Decoda

LOC on leave from July 21st – 31st

August 2014 – September 2014

LOC on leave from August 1st – 31st

COPFL Meeting: September 17, 2014 - welcomed Meghan Derkach & Elena Doebele

Attended Cultural Resiliency training

Attended Interagency Meeting in Lake Country

Attended Youth Mental Health workshop

Preliminary Planning for Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week

Preliminary Planning for book sale

Published COPFL website

October 2014 – November 2014

Submitted Select Standing Committee letter

Attended CATCH Network gathering & National Child luncheon

Attended the Social Innovation workshop

Attended the United Way “Seeing Is Believing” bus tour

Attended Decoda regional training

Attended One-to-One training

Attended Lake Country Interagency meeting

Organized book sale with Extra Foods

Planning for Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week

COPFL Meeting: November 26, 2014 - welcomed Michael Wendland


June 2015

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December 2014 – January 2015

Attended Parent Conference planning meeting

Attended Collaborative Dialogue session with school district

Edited COPFL website –adding “Event” section

Connected with KCR to have COPFL added to database

Finalized book sale details

Finalized Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week details

Promoted Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week around Central Okanagan

Hosted Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week (January 25 – 31, 2015)

February 2015 – March 2015

Hosted Unplug & Play Week wrap-up lunch

Started plans for Literacy Audit & Plain Language workshop

Attended CATCH Network gathering

Attended Lake Country Interagency meeting

Attended collaboration meeting with SD 23

Attended “The Art of Creating Opportunity” workshop

Connected with Project Literacy to have COPFL link added to website

Updated literacy contacts on BC government site

Book sale money presented to SD 23

COPFL Meeting: March 4, 2015 - welcomed Peter Boyd & Rhonda Ovelson

April 2015 – May 2015

Finalized details for Plain Language workshop

Prepared for Literacy Audit (scheduled for June 4, 2015)

Started planning for Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week 2016

Sent “Letter of Interest to Participate in Unplug & Play Week” to community

Attended Parenting Conference planning meeting

Promoted Plain Language workshop

Updated job description for LOC position

Updated Terms of Reference for COPFL

Cancelled Plain Language workshop due to low registration

Requested replacement representative for COPFL group from leaving members

Prepared the updated District Literacy Plan for COPFL approval

Prepared the 2014 / 2015 District Literacy Plan Progress Report


June 2015

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PART 5 - GOALS AND ACTIONS (2014/2015)

Throughout this past year the Central Okanagan Partners for Literacy continued to promote

literacy awareness, provide services to the community, and solve the ongoing challenge of

sustainability through actions such as in-kind contributions of space, staff resources, and

administration support. The committee collaborated and worked hard to plan three events this

year: Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week, a Literacy Audit and a Plain Language workshop.

The Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week expanded upon the previous one-day Family

Literacy Day celebration. The goal was to raise awareness about digital literacy while

promoting screen-free family fun activities. Events were held in every community from Lake

Country to Peachland from January 25 – 31, 2015. The book sale sponsored by Extra Foods

raised $1000 to help support literacy in school district 23 and was a highlight of the week. The

Unplug & Play initiative was a great success with close to 2500 children and parents attending

the events and over fifty community organizations, local government and businesses supporting

the week. There was definite interest from the community to see the event again and plans for

the 2016 Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week are already underway.

The literacy audit was the first audit conducted in the Central Okanagan and was well-received

by the staff at Kelowna Childcare Society. It gave valuable insight into how important it is for

organizations to be aware of the literacy issues in our community and to adjust services offered

in order to support clients that struggle with low literacy. I would like to see more audits offered

to organizations and businesses in the future.

Unfortunately our initiative to host a Plain Language workshop was a challenge. Debbie Schiller

was booked to facilitate the workshop on May 26, 2015 and KPMG had kindly offered in-kind

space. Promotion for the event began in early April, but unfortunately the event had to be

cancelled due to low registration. The committee feels that there is still value in offering this

workshop again and spent time discussing how to approach it differently in the future. It was

decided that October and January might be better times to offer the workshop and perhaps a

specific organization such as Interior Health should be approached as the target audience.


June 2015

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PART 6 - CENTRAL OKANAGAN DISTRICT LITERACY PLAN (2009-2015) – IN PROGRESS

FOCUS

AREA

OBJECTIVES GENERAL

ACTIVITIES

SPECIFIC

ACTIVITIES

OUTPUTS CURRENT STATUS

1. Enhance Community

Connections

Completed Activities

Ongoing Activities

CENTRAL

OKANAGAN

Enhance literacy

ownership by key

community

groups

Establish a more

coordinated

system for

supporting

literacy programs

and services

Increase public

awareness about

the value of

integrating

literacy supports

1.a. Facilitate

information exchange

among service

providers and

community

1.a.i. Provide networking

opportunities in each

community

Develop new

partnerships

Strengthen existing

partnerships

Increase number of

referrals

PALS Training Quarterly meetings with COPFL Community Forum (Fall 2013) Literacy Surveys (2013)

1.a.ii. Support

partnerships organizing

common training by

providing information

COPFL website (Fall 2014 -updated as needed)

Quarterly meetings with COPFL COPFL e-mail distribution list

1.b. Initiate new

collaborative

relationships with

senior centres

1.b.i. Meet with senior

groups

1.b.ii. Recruit a

representative from

senior’s sector for

COPFL committee

New partnerships

Access to space

New community

representation from

senior’s sector on

task force

Community Presentations Recruit volunteers New community representative on

COPFL committee

1.c. Engage the

business community

and employers for

skills upgrading needs

1.c.i. Preliminary

discussion with business

community on their

awareness and needs

Number of contacts

made

New business

community

representation on

task force

Number of Literacy

Audits Conducted

Increase in use of

plain language

Marketing materials developed with Touchpoint Marketing

Writing workshop attended by LOC Community Presentations Promote Literacy Audits with the

Business Community Plain Language workshop offered

for Central Okanagan (May 2015) Literacy Audit with Kelowna Child

Care Society (June 2015) New community representative on

COPFL committee


June 2015

11

2. Increase Literacy

Awareness

CENTRAL

OKANAGAN

Educate public

about the

definition of

literacy

Educate public

about the value

of life-long

learning

Reduce the

stigma

surrounding

literacy

Increase value

placed on literacy

and literacy

supports

Increase public

awareness about

available literacy

programs and

service

2.a. Develop user-

friendly literacy

information for families

and service providers

in each community

2.a.i. Develop and

maintain a local literacy

website (utilize local

information from Literacy

BC Resource Guide)

Increase

numbers

accessing

programs

Increase

referrals

Increase public

awareness

about literacy

Kelowna Community Resources

(KCR) website development plan

Marketing Materials developed

with Touchpoint Marketing

Attempted a Facebook page / blog

Literacy Section on The Bridge

Youth & Family Services website

Created a COPFL Website (Fall

2015 – updated as needed)

2.a.ii. Monitor

distribution of

information and

resources

Number of events

attended

Amount of material

distributed

Updated KCR about website

Attend community events to

distribute resources

2.b. Enhance

community capacity to

communicate about

literacy

2.b.i. Train "leaders for

literacy" to answer

questions in the

community about what is

available and how to

make appropriate

referrals

Number of

leaders trained

Number of

referrals and

resource

guides

accessed

PALS Training

Literacy Forum (Fall 2010)


Information sharing at COPFL

meetings

Create and promote COPFL

website (Fall 2014)

2.b.ii. Communicate

Literacy Plan to City

Councils and MLA’s to

gain support for outlined

activities

Number of

presentations made

Type of support

received from City

Councils/MLA’s



Letters to MLA’s

Website development

Community presentations

Meetings with City Council/MLA’s

2.b.iii. Incorporate

literacy supports and

services into Community

Recreation Guides

Number of

recreation guides

with literacy

information

published

KCR website information added to

all directories

KCR website information updated

(January 2015)


June 2015

12

2.c. Educate the

public about literacy

2.c.i. Develop a Partners

for Literacy visual

identity.

PowerPoint

Presentation

Rack cards

Banner

Letter head / Logo

Created a Literacy PowerPoint

Presentation

Marketing Materials developed

with Touchpoint Marketing

2.c.ii. Provide education

opportunities that

explain the definition of

literacy, life-long

learning, and services

available

Greater public

understanding

about definition of

literacy

Increase utilizing of

available services


Attend Community Events

Community Presentations

COPFL website

Presentations at Parent Talk

Group (January 2015)

Unplug & Play – Family Literacy

Week Events (January 2015)

3. Increase Access to

Sustainable Literacy Supports

and Services

LAKE

COUNTRY

Increase access

to literacy

supports for early

childhood, youth,

and adult

learners

3.a. Support current

Parents As Literacy

Supports (PALS)

program

3.a.i. Seek partners &

volunteers to help plan

additional PALS nights

Number of

community PALS

nights and families

attending

Number of

participants

PALS Training (7 Sessions)

3.b. Support literacy

for teens

3.b.i. Research

successful teen literacy

programs in our

community

Summary of

findings on teen

literacy

programming

Summary of findings on teen

literacy programming

3.b.ii. Develop a teen

literacy program based

on above (3.b.i.)

Number of grant

applications

Number of partners

Grant applications submitted

Found committed partners

3.c. Increase access

to English as a

Second Language

(ESL) programs

3.c.i. Seek out funding

and partners to re-

initiate adult ESL

program

Number of grant

applications

Local ESL program

Development and implementation

of Conversation Club in Rutland by

Kelowna Immigrant Society

Promote /support ESL programs


June 2015

13

RUTLAND Increase access

to literacy

supports for early

childhood,

elementary age,

and adult

learners

3.d. Enhance parent

knowledge

3.d.i. Coordinate

evening drop-in family

sessions

Number of evening

sessions offered

Number of families

attending

Increase staff capacity through

PALS training

PALS Sessions 2011

PALS Sessions 2012

3.e. Increase access

to English as a

Second Language

(ESL) programs

3.e.i. Connect with local

temples and Kelowna

Immigrant Society to

explore opportunities for

ESL programs for adults

and children

Number of

committed cultural

and religious

partners/space

ESL programs

offered

Development and implementation

of Conversation Club in Rutland by

Kelowna Immigrant Society

Promote/support ESL programs

WEST

KELOWNA

Increase access

to literacy

supports through

community

awareness

3.f. Increase access to

local literacy supports

3.f.i. Incorporate literacy

supports and services

into Community Health

Fair

Number of people

attending health fair

Number of literacy

newsletters/guides

distributed

Attended health fair

Literacy newsletters/guides

distributed

WESTBANK

FIRST

NATION

Increase access

to literacy

supports and

materials

3.g. Support computer

access and training

3.g.i. Seek funding for

on-reserve computer

technical assistance and

instructors

Funding application

Computers and

training available

on-reserve

Funding received

Computer training available on-

reserve 2010/2011/2013

3.h. Support

availability of culturally

appropriate materials

3.h.i. Coordinate the oral

and written record of

Okanagan stories

Funding application

Culturally

appropriate

materials available

Funding applied for culturally

appropriate materials available

Revisit for priority for 2012

3.i. Increase

awareness of free

library cards for those

who live on reserve

3.i.i. Support library in

their awareness effort

Number of library

cards applied for by

on-reserve people

Library cards applied for by on-

reserve people

3.j. Increase access to

adult one-to-one tutors

3.j.i. Recruit and train

peer tutors

Number of adult

tutors available for

Westbank First

Nation

Adult tutors available for Westbank

First Nation


June 2015

14

PEACHLAND

Increase access

to literacy

supports for

early, youth, and

adult learners

3.k. Support literacy

for teens

3.k.i. Connect with Boys

& Girls club youth

worker to incorporate

literacy activities

Integration of

literacy activities in

youth programming

Integration of literacy activities in

youth programming

3.l. Enhance parent

knowledge

3.l.i. Help find facilitators

for Parents of Primary

Students (POPS)

POPS program

offered

POPS program offered

3.l.ii Coordinate evening

drop-in family sessions

Number of evening

sessions offered

Number of families

attending

Increase staff capacity through

PALS training

PALS Sessions 2010/2011

PALS Sessions 2012

ENTIRE

CENTRAL

OKANANGAN

Increase access

to literacy

supports for early

childhood, youth,

and adult

learners

Remove barriers

for improving

literacy

Individualize

available literacy

supports and

materials to meet

the needs of all

learners

3.m. Address issues

surrounding

technology and

literacy

3.m.i. Develop / promote

workshops that teach

computer skills and

improve digital literacy

Number of

workshops offered

Number of

participants

Computer workshops

3.m.ii. Educate public

about screen time and

its impact on literacy and

overall health (especially

among children)

Number of

presentations

Distribution of info.

Response from

public

Community Presentations

Distribution of Screen time info.

Unplug & Play – Family Literacy

Week (January 2015)

3.n. Create a

community that is

more low-literacy

friendly

3.n.i. Facilitate Literacy

Audits for businesses

and organizations

Number of

workshops offered

Response to the

Literacy Audits

Plain Language workshop offered for Central Okanagan (May 2015)

Literacy Audit with Kelowna Child

Care Society (June 2015)

3.o. Provide more

opportunities for

individualized literacy

support

3.o.i. Increase number

of volunteers to help with

individualized needs

Number of

volunteers

Number of tutors

Recruit literacy volunteers and

tutors

Book Sale – Family Literacy Week

3.o.ii. Modify programs

to accommodate

individual needs

Number of

programs

Variety of programs

Educate public about programs

Attempt to accommodate

individualized circumstances

3.p. Increase funds

available to support

literacy programs

3.p.i. Organize

fundraising events

Number of events

Funds raised

Grants Secured

Community Literacy Fundraising

Events

Grant for Unplug & Play Week


June 2015

15

PART 7 - SUCCESSES

Networking

Several new members participated in the COPFL committee this year.

Meghan Derkach was the new representative for Seniors Outreach & Resource Centre.

Michael Wendland joined from Metro UP Financial Asset & Literacy Foundation.

Rhonda Ovelson was the new representative from SD 23. She is replacing Clara Sulz.

Peter Boyd from Extra Foods / Your Independent Grocer & Vera Ito from Society for

Learning in Retirement requested being on the COPFL’s e-mail distribution list, so they

could be aware of the work of the committee. Peter is eager to be involved with book

sales that benefit the community.

The COPFL group worked collaboratively together to host several different events such

as the Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week, a Plain Language workshop & a Literacy

Audit. The COPFL developed a website that identifies the literacy service providers in the

Central Okanagan and provides a link to their organizations. It also showcases events that the COPFL are hosting. The website is www.partnersforliteracy.weebly.com.

Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week – January 25 – 31, 2015

First Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week in the Central Okanagan.

A week comprised of promoting opportunities for balancing technology use with time for

family, creative pursuits, recreation and connection to nature.

Events were held in every community from Lake Country to Peachland.

Approximately 2500 children and adults attended the events and more than fifty

community organizations, local government and businesses supported the week.

Literacy Audit – June 4, 2015

Held at Kelowna Childcare Society.

Attended by the Executive Director and several staff members.

Education about literacy in our community and what their organization can do to support

clients that may be struggling with low literacy.

Community Events

LOC and COPFL members attended several community events:

o Cultural Resiliency Training – September 2014

o Lake Country Interagency Meeting - September / November 2014 & March 2015

o Inn from the Cold Open House – September 2014

o Youth Mental Health Workshop – September 2014

o CATCH Network Gathering – October 2014 & February 2015

o Social Innovation Workshop – October 2014

o United Way “Seeing Is Believing” Bus Tour – October 2014

o Ages & Stages Questionnaires Training – November 2014

o CATCH National Child Luncheon – November 2014

o Collaborative Dialogue Session with SD 23 – December 2014 & March 2015

o Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week Events – January 2015

o The Art of Creating Opportunity Workshop – March 2015

http://www.partnersforliteracy.weebly.com/


June 2015

16

Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week

Enjoying a book during Family Literacy Week

UBCO Volunteers at the Book Sale

Fun at the Art Gallery during Unplug & Play Week

Book Sale – $1000 was raised!

Presentation of Book Sale Money to School District 23


June 2015

17

PART 8 - CHALLENGES

Uncertainty about funding for literacy coordination and implementation continues to be our biggest

challenge. It is difficult to know which projects to initiate when the sustainability of projects is uncertain.

Without coordination money, it will be difficult for our COPFL group to continue and our District Literacy

Plan won’t have anyone overseeing it. Obviously, the instability in funding that occurs every year isn’t

an efficient use of Decoda or the LOC’s time in working to improve literacy in our community.

I also find the current structure of the LOC position in the Central Okanagan to be challenging. The

Partners for Literacy committee originally began as an advisory committee, but with the group not being

a direct service provider, and with implementation funding no longer available, it can be difficult to be

effective. This situation makes it difficult to keep committee members engaged. To help with this

challenge, I have focused on making our committee a project / event based group that works on specific

literacy projects. This shift has had success this year, but it is extremely challenging to know how to

move forward. Many of the committee members have great ideas, but often don’t have the capacity to

help out with the hands-on work of organizing events. I have to constantly evaluate whether our

committee had the capacity to successfully deliver on the ideas that are brought forward. There has

been feedback from the committee that in order to help make the LOC position more effective, it should

be aligned with an organization doing direct literacy work. Further explanation and discussion around

this idea should occur in the future.

The past year has made me realize that we need to continue to promote awareness about the definition

of literacy and the literacy services offered in the Central Okanagan. Tied closely to this is the need to

work on reducing the stigma attached to having literacy challenges. There is still a great need to

educate the community that literacy is a life-long issue and literacy challenges can impact anyone at any

age. We also need our community to appreciate how low literacy rates impact the Central Okanagan

and the province as a whole. Focusing on these challenges will help to improve literacy for everyone in

the Central Okanagan and build a community of life-long learners.


June 2015

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PART 9 - MOVING FORWARD (2015/2016)

2014-2015 has been a positive year for the COPFL committee. At the beginning of the year we were

uncertain whether we would have funding to sustain us beyond eight months. Fortunately, additional

funding was provided and has allowed us to continue with our important work. Over the year we have

experienced growth in our committee and consequently, have strengthened the network between

literacy service providers in our community. The main focus of the Partners for Literacy has also

changed. This shift in focus helps to give direction and purpose to the committee and encourages the

committee to directly tackle the goals laid out in the District Literacy Plan.

There are several potential projects for future focus:

Continue to build collaboration and develop projects between committee member

organizations.

Continue to build literacy networks by increasing awareness about literacy and

engaging future literacy partners.

Work on removing barriers for improving literacy by attempting to host another Plain

Language workshop.

Educate the community about the growing issues surrounding digital literacy by

hosting a 2016 Unplug & Play – Family Literacy Week.

Continue to develop programs that would help to address the issues involving seniors

and digital literacy.

Continue to increase child and youth programming perhaps through reading programs

such as Come Read with Me and One to One.

Develop programs to promote inter-generational literacy initiatives for grandparents

caring for grandchildren.

Promote literacy audits in work settings throughout the Central Okanagan

Continue to increase and individualize available literacy resources and programs

Increase COPFL exposure with the media / social outlets

Some of these projects began this past year and will continue. Others have yet to be begin. There

obviously remains many literacy needs in our community and work that needs to be done to support

those needs. Even though there will be a change in the LOC for the upcoming year, I am confident that

the committee is dedicated to see many of these goals accomplished over the next year.

Documents

CENTRAL OKANAGAN COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL DISTRICT 23 … · 2016-03-02 · Central Okanagan District Literacy Plan Progress Report June 2015 6 age of the population is 445 and rising,