Congratulations Lisa O’Blenis!

Lisa has been selected to receive the Council of the Federation Award for her work as a Literacy volunteer in the Learning Advantage program at the Calgary Public Library.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practices, and excellence in literacy and is awarded to one person in each province. We are so pleased that Lisa is representing the Calgary Public Library and Alberta!

Learning Advantage pairs volunteers with adult literacy learners to assist them in achieving their goals in reading, writing, and numeracy.

If you are interested in our Learning Advantage program, click here.

Also, September 8th is International Literacy Day! What better way to celebrate your skills than to donate your time to help others in their reading, writing, and numeracy!

Peter began volunteering with the Learning Advantage program in 2010. A lifelong volunteer, Peter’s one on one match with Shakila marked his first foray into literacy tutoring: “I have been fortunate in life and it seems that as far back as I can remember I have been a volunteer. It just seems right to give back. I'm getting on and found that some of my volunteer activities were getting a little too strenuous for me, heard about the Reading Advantage program and thought it might be something I could get involved with. It keeps me mentally active.”

The relationship and rapport that have developed between Peter and his learner is truly remarkable. Shakila appreciates his patience, understanding, kindness and encouragement. He marvels at her enthusiasm and commitment to learning. “I feel I get as much or more from the program than my student. Learning about another culture and helping my student to learn about ours. It definitely is a two-way street.”

Thanks Peter!