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International Literacy Day
September 8th marks international Literacy Day, officially created by UNESCO in 1965 to help raise awareness surrounding global literacy challenges. According to UNESCO statistics, 12% of the global population remains illiterate or has a literacy level that is considered non-functional. To be functionally literate individuals need to be able to use their abilities across different platforms to meet the demands of their everyday life. Without a functional literacy level individuals encounter many obstacles and challenges when it comes to employment and personal development. They may find it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as filling out forms, reading prescription medication instructions, or reading signs and labels.
Literacy is the foundation for all lifelong learning. The ability to read and write has a profound effect on the individual, allowing each person to become prepared for a role as an active, aware and economically independent member of society.
In Canada, we face literacy challenges that many people remain unaware of. Approximately 49% of Quebec adults aged 16 to 65 have limited literacy skills. 1 in 6 adults will encounter challenges throughout their lives because of serious difficulties with reading and writing.
The Western Quebec Litracy Council is a community literacy initiative that works to help improve literacy on a one-to-one basis through free, confidential and personalized tutoring. You can get involved with our organization by contacting us or making a donation. Be sure to like our Facebook page and sign up to our Newsletter to stay informed on upcoming activities.
http://en.unesco.org/
http://www.centreforliteracy.qc.ca/publications
Big Changes at the WQLC
To say that there has been some movement at the Western Quebec Literacy council since April would be an understatement.  After receiving news of increased funding from the MinistĂšre dâĂ©ducation de QuĂ©bec, the Board of Directors hired a new, full time Executive Director, MichĂšle Gagnon. At the end of June the organization, volunteers, and friends of Marilee DeLombard wished her a happy and restful retirement.  For more than 25 years she has been at the forefront of the development of the organization, guiding the WQLC in its infancy to establish it as an independent charitable organization that has touched hundreds of lives across Western Quebec. Marilee has clocked countless hours ensuring that everyone has access to a service that enriches and benefits the quality of their lives.
Since change is in the air, the WQLC is revamping its look with a new website, blog and more digitally interactive platform.
The excitement doesnât stop there; we will soon be calling Front Street, Campbellâs Bay, our new home. We hope to create a welcoming space that will encourage the entire community to have a peek inside of our doors. Brimming with excitement with all of the potential this new space provides, we will be launching new activities and programming such as a community book exchange, internet cafĂ©, digital and in-house hosted book clubs, as well as art and cooking workshops.  The WQLC will also continue to support its current operations and provide support and services to its students and volunteers tutors.
We hope youâll stay tuned to get the inside scoop on our big move as well as updates on our activities and informational pieces to inspire continued education in everyone.