Currently, we have 18 learners and 17 children attending Group Tutoring each Friday for 30-plus sessions per year, and up to this point in time with some creative cost sharing and some volunteer time, we have been able to have 40 sessions a year.
In addition, the learners always request summer hours and almost every year we have been able to accommodate this.
The learners are working on a variety of subjects, such as computer literacy, Simply Accounting, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, first-year psychology, LPN, Adult Dogwood, electrical apprenticeship, second-year business diploma, fourth-year business degree, French, medical office assistant and citizenship.
Three participants are currently employed and attend whenever they can. The group uses a social networking site called NING to keep in touch between sessions and to participate in various learning activities.
Each year in appreciation for being permitted the use of the basement in the Evangelical Free Church, we provide meal preparation, serving and cleanup for their annual Christmas Dinner. This dinner is attended by more than 100 adults and about 50 children.
We present the children with a book donated by Cariboo Chilcotin Partners
for Literacy. The children have really looked forward to receiving a book
and it has become a highlight of the
evening.
In addition, we give a brief presentation about our activities to the group and thank them for the use of their amazing facility.
This year for our group component, we have invited
two home visitors to present the Nobody’s Perfect workshop. These workshops take place the
last Friday of each month, and so far, have been very well received.
We also plan to have Katherine McKibbin from Sweetgrass Yoga & Healing demonstrate some relaxation techniques. To complement this, we plan to discuss health issues and self care briefly during each session. Learners will be encouraged to share any successful strategies that they find helpful.
In June, we will celebrate our year by having a sports day picnic in Centennial Park.
Besides providing the group with a nutritious lunch and snacks, Judy Lauzon has been sharing a story with the children. In addition, either Jackie Zamorano or Charlotte Duncan directs the children in a craft. At times, the children celebrate birthdays by bringing a cake and sharing with friends.
The learners have been, and continue to be, a very cohesive group. They have developed strong friendships and support each other in many ways both during and after the sessions.
Recently, we have been using NING to exchange toys and furniture that is no longer needed.
I am also encouraging the group to exchange babysitting and other skills. For example, they might help
each other by painting each other’s homes, help with meal
planning, and help with grocery shopping to further support each other.
