The Red Deer Public Library is offering an adult literacy programs for those studying English as a second language and those who are looking to improve to their literacy. The program has been running with Red Deer Public Library since 2006 and has seen a lot of success.

“We match volunteer tutors one on one with learners. We work with Canadian-born learners as well as people who are new to Canada and have immigrated from other countries. We help people who just need basic help with improving their reading and writing skills or people who want to speak English better,” said Alla Mysko-Henke, Program Manager for Red Deer Public Library.

She said that in the past the program has helped people study for their drivers test, Canadian Citizenship tests, and in some cases even with numeracy.

Mysko-Henke says learning English from someone who speaks English fluently can dramatically help the learner in ways that aren’t necessarily anticipated. 

“They gain self-confidence through meeting with their tutor. They get better quality of life because their English improves and they can function better in their regular community or in the society,” she added.

Those involved in the program often take other volunteering positions such as helping children with homework and other items.  Often volunteers schedule a tutoring session once a week, but depending on their schedule they may have more time to dedicate to someone’s learning.

In the library’s 2019-2020 grant year, they reported 220 volunteers who helped with 370 learners with literacy, language, and numeracy.

However, Mysko-Henke says the benefits of the program don’t just belong to the learner but that tutors receive something out of it as well.

“Our tutors say that they receive as much as they give because they are also learning. They are also learning about different people about different cultures. These volunteers come here to help and they are very committed to making a difference. We strongly believe this program is definitely making a difference in the future of Red Deer and in the lives of our learners,” explained Mysko-Henke.

If you would like to become involved with the program, Mysko-Henke says the best way to become involved would be stopping by the Dawe Branch of the Red Deer Public Library or by calling them at 403-346-4576.