1. New Immigrant and Refugee ESL Learners

2. Literacy is the ability to read, understand and express oneself verbally and in writing in order to achieve one’s goals and fully participate in community and its development. Mission: The Tri-Cities Literacy Committee engages partners in a collaborative process to explore and enhance literacy services in our community.

4.  Tri-Cities Population : approaching 200,000  Immigrants : 68,000 (34%)  2001 – 29%  BC – 27%  Around 12,500 immigrants arrived 2001 – 2006 (2006 Census)

5. made up of partners interested or engaged in ESL literacy in the Tri-Cities  School District #43, Continuing Education  Immigrant Services Society of BC  S.U.C.C.E.S.S.  Public Libraries  SHARE Family & Community Services  Soroptimist International  Community Members

6. English Language Services for Adults. provides basic and intermediate level English training for adult newcomers to Canada. is government-funded and is free to students. is not available for Canadian citizens in the lower mainland.

7. free drop-in programs led by volunteer facilitators offered at seventeen sites throughout the Tri-Cities

8. Housed with three community ELSA providers:  Continuing Education, School District #43  Immigrant Services Society of BC  S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fourth kit at SHARE Family & Community Services (English Practice Groups) Available to borrow for adult literacy tutors, community groups, etc.

9. At the doctor’s office

10. At home

11. Hot water bottle Face mask Eye wash kit Thermometer Infant nasal aspirator Tensor ankle support Stethoscope Blood Pressure Unit Hammer First Aid Kit, including:  antiseptic wipes  alcohol cleansing wipes  insect sting relief swabs  first aid ointment  bandages  elastic wrap bandage  gauze dressings  first aid tape  ice pack  scissors  tweezers  butterfly wound closures  oval eye pad  gloves  first aid manual  Q-tips  tongue depressors/finger splints  emergency blanket

17. Julie Rioux Maier Tri-Cities Literacy Outreach Coordinator jrioux@sd43.bc.ca 604 817-6462