WriteOn Fall2012 OPWEBlo

A Literacy Partners of Manitoba Publication Featuring the Writing of Manitobas Adult Learners
WriteOn Magazine Fall / Winter 2012-13

1
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Discover
the Power
of Learning
FALL/WI NTER
2012-13
A Literacy Partners of Manitoba Publication
Good
Business
Boeing Canada and Wawanesa
Insurance share why they invest
in Literacy and Essential Skills
Reader in Residence Nereo Eugenio II
on being brave and staying inspired
War&
PEACE
Stories from Manitobas
Adult Learners
2
Welcome
Cover photo by Reiner Carlos Photography, assisted by Wendy
Collantes and Creative Director Jeremy Johnson.

Magazine Graphic design by Lewis Communications Inc.
Printed by Elite Printing Company Ltd.
Editorial Committee: Danielle Dubois, Wendy Bulloch
and Jeremy Johnson.
ISSN 1481-5117 Copyright 2012
Welcome to the
Fall 2012 issue of
WriteOn! magazine.
This fall marks the 25th
anniversary of Literacy
Partners of Manitoba,
and, after a quarter
century, were still going
strong! In the past few months, weve
expanded our staff, planned new
workshops and promotions, and even
launched a new website,
www.manitobaliteracy.com.
WriteOn! showcases the writing of
adult learners from across Manitoba.
Some of these authors have been
selected to receive $200 Literacy
Partners of Manitoba Scholarships;
youll notice medallions beside many
of the stories. If you or someone you
know would like to submit material
to WriteOn!, please email literacy@
mb.literacy.ca.
This issue also describes some of the
work and history of Literacy Partners.
I hope that in reading WriteOn!, youll
learn about the importance of literacy
and Essential Skills to all Manitobans.
I invite you to join us in supporting
Manitobas adult learners by becoming
a member of Literacy Partners today.
Holly Banner, President
Literacy Partners of Manitoba
Table of Contents
2 Message from the President
3 Literacy Partners of Manitoba
Celebrates 25 Years
Katherine Pavlik
4 Putting Essential Skills to Work:
LPM sits down with
Herman Hansen of Boeing Canada
Danielle Dubois
5 Nereo Eugenio II,
LPMs 2012-13 Reader in Residence
Danielle Dubois
8 From the War in Kosovo
to Peace in Canada
Hatije Alimehaj & Zize Alimehaj
10 My Mountain Ahead
Carmina Dueck
11 From Powerless to Capable
and Condent
Rosalina Braun
12 Hard Times
Gordon Mayo
13 Reecting on Dreams
Angela Keno
14 Words
Agnes Philbrow
15 The Saba
Gordie Brass
16 Country Settings
Kathy Kopichanski
17 We Breathed
Tara Diamond
16 Donating to Literacy Partners:
Its Good Business
Danielle Dubois
401-321 McDermot Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R3A 0A3
Executive Director: Wendy Bulloch, PHEc
Phone: 204-947-5757
Fax: 204-956-9315
Toll free: 1-866-947-5757
Go To Learn: literacy@mb.literacy.ca
Information & Membership Services:
literacy@mb.literacy.ca
www.manitobaliteracy.com
Developed by Literacy Partners of Manitoba.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada
Ofce of Literacy and Essential Skills.
The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reect those of the
Government of Canada.
Looking for Past Issues of WriteOn Magazine?
Visit us online for an e-version of this issue and all our other great publications at
www.manitobaliteracy.com or call 204-947-5757.
3
3
O
n November 20, 2012, Literacy Partners of Manitoba
(LPM) celebrated 25 years of championing literacy in our
province. The organization was founded as the Literacy
Workers Alliance of Manitoba in 1987 and incorporated as Literacy
Partners of Manitoba in 1995. LPM has supported learners and
practitioners and raised public awareness of the critical role that
adult learning and skill development play in addressing todays
family, workplace and societal challenges.
Created in response to the growing concern about the low
literacy skills of many adults, LPM began as a small network of
dedicated people working to improve adult literacy in Manitoba.
LPM continues to address this challenge and strives to keep pace
with the changing literacy landscape. While basic literacy levels
have improved in some populations, emerging issues concerning
Aboriginal literacy and workplace skill deciencies are becoming
more prevalent.
As we face the literacy and Essential Skills challenges of the
future, we are mindful that the success we enjoy today is a result of
the enduring dedication and support of our board, staff, volunteers,
members, partners and adult learners. We salute and thank you.
By Katherine Pavlik
Through the years, LPM has been committed
to supporting literacy, Essential Skills development
and the benets of life-long learning.
Here are some of the highlights from the past 25 years:
LPMs rst Annual General Meeting was held on
November 29, 1990.
WriteOn! was rst published as a newsletter in 1991.
Our rst Peter Gzowksi Invitational (PGI) Golf Tournament
was held in 1992.
LPMS rst website was launched in 1996.
Our rst Breakfast of Champions was held in 2003.
Our rst Take 5 and Read challenge occurred in 2010.
WriteOn! magazine was redesigned in partnership
with UNESCO and Lewis Communications in 2011.
LPM hosted its rst Aboriginal Literacy Symposium
in November, 2011.
Go to LEARN was created in 2011.
Going Back to School and Going to the Library were
rst published in 2012.
hts
Literacy Partners of
Manitoba Celebrates 25 Years
44
Have you ever wondered about how to
incorporate Essential Skills training at your
workplace? To illustrate some of the best
practices happening right now in Manitoba,
LPM caught up with Herman Hansen
of Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.,
a company consistently recognized as one
of the nations top employers.
Hansen is the Senior Manager of Human
Resources at Boeing. He is responsible for
employee relations, as well as learning,
training and development. Hansen is also
a long-time board member of Literacy
Partners.
LPM: Why do you believe that the
promotion of Essential Skills is
important for a modern workplace?
HH: Essential Skills ultimately enhance both
the functioning of a company and the lives
of its employees.
Boeing uses the Essential Skills model
because skills like numeracy, reading text,
document use and working with others are
all crucial for our business. This focus on
Essential Skills allows our business quality
and overall productivity to improve.
LPM: What does Boeing do to promote
Essential Skills?
HH: Boeing offers a variety of different
programs.
Boeing assesses prospective employees
using a workplace Essential Skills model
developed specically for the aerospace
industry. Successful applicants must achieve
at least a level 3 in numeracy, reading text
and document use.
Since 1996, Boeing has conducted Essential
Skills assessments to measure the math
and reading abilities of our employees.
Boeing then provides development and
training opportunities in both one-on-one
and group settings.
LPM: What other opportunities are
available to Boeing employees?
HH: Continuous learning is constantly
promoted at Boeing. We have an
extensive tuition assistance program,
for both post-secondary education and
other upgrading opportunities. Many
employees take advantage of this. Because
of Boeings emphasis on Essential Skills,
employees develop a strong foundation
that enables
them to
pursue further
education.
I believe that
Essential
Skills training
enhances
employee
autonomy. It
also makes
programs like
our Employee
Involvement Initiative through which
employees come up with ideas for
improving our company work that
much better.
LPM: What advice would you give to
other employers interested in promoting
Essential Skills in their workplaces?
HH: First, other employers should educate
themselves about Essential Skills. Second,
employers can look to the resources
and expertise available to them from
organizations like Literacy Partners and
Workplace Education Manitoba. Let the
experts guide you.
By Danielle Dubois
Literacy Partners of Manitoba Sits Down
with Herman Hansen of Boeing Canada
Putting Essential Skills to Work
Herman Hansen,
Boeing Canada
5
5
The 9 Essential Skills
needed for learning,
work and life are...
ESSENTIAL
SKILLS?
WHAT
ARE THE
ESSENTIAL
SKILLS?
READING TEXT
Reading and understanding written
materials.
WRITING
Writing text on paper and typing text
on computers, cellphones, etc.
NUMERACY
Using and understanding numbers and
thinking in quantitative terms.
DOCUMENT USE
Using and understanding information
displays in which words, numbers,
icons, charts and other visual materials
are used.
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Using speech to give and exchange
thoughts and information.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Successful use of computers and
technology.
WORKING WITH OTHERS
Working with others to accomplish
tasks efciently.
THINKING SKILLS
Using a thought process for problem
solving, decision making, critical
thinking, planning and memory.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING
Participating in ongoing processes of
acquiring new skills and knowledge
throughout life.

Contact Us
Toll-Free: 1-866-947-5757 Online: manitobaliteracy.com
Anyone can use this service and many programs are free.
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We can help you.
With funding support from Literacy Partners of Manitoba,
the Peter Gzowski Literacy Fund and Workplace Education Manitoba.
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I HAD TO BECOME REALLY GOOD FRIENDS
WITH THE BUTTERFLIES IN MY STOMACH
TO GET TO WHERE I AM NOW.
LITERACY PARTNERS OF
MANITOBAS READER
IN RESIDENCE
7
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L
iteracy Partners of Manitoba is proud
to introduce Nereo Eugenio II as our
2012-2013 Reader in Residence.
The Winnipeg native will be promoting
Literacy Partners of Manitoba throughout
the coming year. Already, he has inspired
Manitobans with a spoken word performance
in celebration of International Literacy Day.
Nereo is a passionate and multi-
talented artist. He is a spoken word
artist, painter, photographer, video editor,
designer, b-boy, writer and reader. He has
been active in Winnipegs arts community
for the past decade. Nereo has performed
at events across North America,
including the Annual Scribble Jam
Hip Hop Festival, the Canadian
Festival of Spoken Word, the Toronto
International Poetry Slam, the Speak
Series in Halifax, and Thin Air:
Winnipeg International Writers Festival. His
work has appeared in the Filipino Journal
and on CBC Radios Content Factory.
Nereo believes in the power of art
to inform, express, educate, empower,
and help build connections with people
and communities. He leads by example,
pursuing a healthy lifestyle aimed at
developing mental, physical and spiritual
growth. He has also hosted workshops,
such as Word Play, in which students
are introduced to the art of spoken word,
and encouraged to overcome the fear of
speaking their minds. Nereo says that,
the love for what I do best which is to
create is the sole reason for my continual
growth as an artist and human being.
While motivated by his love for
the arts, Nereos path has not been an
easy one. This creative career did not
happen overnight, he says. Nereo
left a stable job as a draftsperson and
waterjet operator to pursue his dream of
living and working as an artist full-time.
There were no secret meetings with a
magic genie. There was, however, a lot
of coffee for the sleepless nights, a lot of
frustration, a lot of miscommunication and
misunderstandings. I had to become really
good friends with the butteries in my
stomach to get to where I am now.
Nereo asserts that the rewards were
worth the risks: Accepting impossible
challenges and being able to overcome
them is one of the most rewarding
achievements you can ever experience in
life, especially when there are people in your
way offering more fear than support. I love
turning the tables on all the nonbelievers,
the no you cant crowd who criticize the
dream catchers, the go-getters, the brave
ones who take big leaps.
Nereo is comforted by the fact that
those who questioned his earlier choices
now support him. My parents have
always worried, ever since I left my old
job. But within the past year or two they
have really started to believe in my ability
to make things happen. My parents
approval is one of my biggest trophies.
I feel stronger with them beside me.
Nereo also takes inspiration from
reading and writing. Reading in general
has shaped my life, he says, and
continues to do so in more ways than some
would assume. I read and write every day
everything from ction to non-ction, to
newspapers, to reading between the lines.
Reading only has positive impacts. There is
so much information out there, and it is
important for everyone to have access to
that information, and to their dreams.
A commitment to continuous
learning has enabled Nereo to get
where he is today: I am a student
in the school of life who would never
have excelled in my eld if it were
not for the exchanges I have made
with my fellow teachers and students.
Reective and grateful, Nereo says he loves
the life he has created. I wouldnt trade
it for anything. Donald Trump aint got
nothing on me!
Nereo looks forward to sharing his
struggles and triumphs with others
as LPMs Reader in Residence. Its an
honour, he says.
Nereo has a solo album and book
coming out in the near future.
If you would like to arrange to have
Nereo visit your adult learning centre,
please contact Literacy Partners.
By Danielle Dubois
7
I READ AND WRITE EVERY DAY EVERYTHING
FROM FICTION TO NON-FICTION, TO NEWSPAPERS,
TO READING BETWEEN THE LINES.
I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF ART TO
INFORM, EXPRESS, EDUCATE, EMPOWER,
AND HELP BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH
PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES.
8
I
n the early 1990s the province of Kosovo wanted its independence
from Serbia. The Kosovo Liberation Army was formed.
The Serbian Government under Slobodan Milosevic sent the
Serbian Army into Kosovo to put down any unrest and kick all the
Albanians out of Kosovo. The Serbian Army was brutal and killed
thousands of Albanians in Kosovo. This was called ethnic cleansing.
When they occupied our village
of Lybeniq, we saw a Serbian
soldier shoot a woman who was
breastfeeding her baby. We couldnt
send our children to school because we were worried that they would
be hurt or killed. We were stuck in our houses. The men would hide
wherever they could because the Serbian soldiers would kill them.
It got so bad that we all left. We went to our husbands villages.
We stayed there for two months and returned to Lybeniq when we
thought it was safe.
The Serbian Army left our village in a mess. They killed a cow, a dog,
ano cats in our house. Blooo, nies ano maggots were everywhere. It
took us a week to clean our house. We lived in peace for two weeks.
One night someone from another village told us that the Serbian
Army destroyed his village and was coming to Lybeniq. Fearing for
our lives, we left our village and went into the mountains. After a few
hours, all of us decided to walk to Albania.
The Serbian Army caught up to us. They ordered the women
and children to keep walking. All the men, including our husbands,
were lined up against a wall and shot. The Serbians
dug a mass grave and buried the bodies. There were
seventy-nine men in the grave. However, an injured
man managed to escape when the Serbians went
to get the machine to dig the grave. He lived to tell the story of the
massacre. Alter the shooting, the Serbs lit our houses on nre.
We now had no choice but to keep walking to Albania. We thought we
would be safe there.
Hatije: I had a very sore foot, and was limping badly. People,
including my pregnant sister-in-law, Zize, had to support me so I could
walk. We had no food and we had to sleep on the ground.
Zize: I was almost nine months pregnant so the walk was
very hard on me. I felt a lot of pain.
By Zize Alimehaj and Hatije Alimehaj
Adult Learners, Westgrove Family Resource Centre
Fr om t he
TO PEACE IN CANADA
THE SERBIAN ARMY WAS BRUTAL
AND KILLED THOUSANDS OF
ALBANIANS IN KOSOVO.
9
It took us six oays ano nnally on April 7 we
arrived in Albania. We stayed in a refugee
camp for two months. There were hundreds
of people in the camp. We were now safe.
Hatije: My two children stayed with
my mother in Ruolica. My family
trieo to nno me but thought I was oeao.
I really missed my children and I was very
sad. One day my family was watching the
news on television when a picture of my
children appeared. They asked if anyone
had seen the children. They also showed
a picture of me and said where I was. We
were nnally reuniteo ano were very happy
to be a family again.
Zize: My brother thought we
were dead. One day he heard my
name mentioned on television. He
searcheo lor us ano nnally louno us
after a month. We were reunited. We
were all happy to be a family again.
Because our husbands were dead, we had
no means of support. Our brother-in-law in
Winnipeg knew of our situation. He thought
we would have a better life in Canada.
He got a church to contact a Canadian
refugee worker in Tirana. The refugee worker
came to see us. We gave our information to
the worker. In one week, we were processed
and cleared to come to Canada.
We arriveo in Toronto on June 7, 1999 ano
stayeo lor two oays. We new to Winnipeg on
June 9 and my brother-in-law met us at the
airport. It was a joyful reunion. In Winnipeg,
we stayed with Sonya Rodin for two weeks.
A government worker found housing for us.
We moved into townhouses on Westgrove
Way in July. The worker gave us money for
food and clothes. We had a translator who
taught us how to shop and do our banking.
Hatije: My children, Ruka and Drillon,
registered for school at Westgrove
Elementary and I went to Charleswood
United Church to learn English. When I
had meetings at my kids school, a translator
would come and help me.
I had medical problems when I arrived in
Canada. I had surgery to remove a tumour
in my foot. I was in rehab and on crutches
for two weeks before I was able to walk.
My health is not very good as I suffered a
series of seizures two years ago. I was in the
hospital lor nve oays. I leel better now but still
suffer from small seizures and bad headaches.
I am seeing a neurologist and he is trying
oillerent proceoures to nno out what is wrong
with me. I am lucky to have an excellent
medical system in Canada. I would be in real
trouble if I was still in Kosovo.
To improve my English, I became a volunteer
at Westgrove Elementary School. I helped
dress the children for recess. I also sorted
the donated clothes that came to the school.
The principal was pleased with my work and
my improvement in English. After three years
of volunteering, I was hired as a lunchroom
supervisor. I have been working at Westgrove
Elementary for nine years.
I was very happy when the Westgrove
Resource Centre opened in 2008. I would
come to the Resource Centre to visit and
talk to people to improve my English. I also
take part in the Community Kitchen where
we learn to cook different foods. I started to
attend the Westgrove Learning Centre when
it opened in September 2009. The learning
centre has really helped me in reading,
writing, and speaking English. I am now able
to write an accident report if a child gets
hurt during lunch time. Life in Canada has
been very good to my family. It has given us
opportunities that we would never have had
in Kosovo.
Zize: My son, Miftar, registered for
school at Westgrove Elementary, Mal
registered at Westdale Junior High,
but my daughter Quandressa was too
young to go to school.
When I nrst came to Canaoa, I louno it
very hard to adjust to the Canadian way
of life because I did not understand the
language and customs. I was kept busy
looking after my kids. I had a two month old
daughter and two sons aged six and ten.
I did not attend English classes for long before
I had to quit. I was very happy when the
Westgrove Resource Centre opened in 2008.
Now I didnt have to stay home. I would come
to the Resource Centre to visit and to take
part in the Community Kitchen. Coming
to the centre helped me with my English.
I started to attend the Westgrove Learning
Centre when it opened in September 2009.
The learning centre has really helped me in
reading, writing, and speaking English. I am
not so shy now when I am talking to people.
Life in Canada has been very good to my
family. We were able to move out of our
townhouse when my older son bought
a house.
Wewouldliketothank NormandValeriefor helping
ustowritethisstory.
LIFE IN CANADA HAS BEEN VERY
GOOD TO MY FAMILY. IT HAS GIVEN
US OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE WOULD
NEVER HAVE HAD IN KOSOVO.
I STARTED TO ATTEND THE
WESTGROVE LEARNING CENTRE...
COMING TO THE LEARNING CENTRE
HELPED ME WITH MY ENGLISH.
10
By Rosalina Braun
Adult Learner, South Eastman English & Literacy Services
I
n February, 2008, my husband, my son and I moved from
Paraguay to Canada. I had stopped my schooling at the age
of 12. My dream was to study to be a nurse, but my parents
didnt let me continue school. I never read or wrote that much in my
childhood and we had only one book in our home. When we arrived
in Canada we were anxious because we couldnt speak or understand
any English. Also, we didnt know any street names or addresses. If
somebody asked me where we lived, I had
to go to the street, look at the sign and copy
the letters to explain it. It was a good thing
that we lived at the street corner.
After we had been here for only two weeks, we had to go to the
doctor with our son. He had an ear infection. We went to the walk-in
clinic. We felt bewildered, because we couldnt understand what the
doctor said. My sister and friends were helping us, because we asked
them to interpret for us.
One Sunday, some weeks later, our son had a fever and earache
again. We felt helpless and again we needed an interpreter. We
had to go to the emergency room and I called my sister for help.
At the emergency room my sister was upset that we never got a
family doctor. She said to the doctor, They need a family doctor
right now. The doctor asked me a question, but I didnt understand
anything that she asked. My sister told her we had been in Canada
for only some weeks.
Some oays later, I got a phone call lrom the ooctor`s olnce. I coulon`t
understand what the caller asked. I felt so powerless. Finally she said
that she could speak a little bit of Low German and we talked in
Low German. She suggested a family doctor to us. I was so jubilant.
Our friends encouraged us to go to English classes and we started
learning English. My life started changing as I was learning to read,
write and speak English, but I needed more practice with reading,
writing and speaking. I started the Stages program this year and
it helps me a lot with these areas. My
teachers also help me with pronunciation
and Im happy that we have the chance
to learn.
This year my son ano I hao to renew our Canaoian passports. I nlleo
out the applications on the internet. I was happy that I coulo nll out
that document myself. It felt amazing.
My life has changed. Now I can go to the dentists and doctors
appointments without an interpreter. Now I can talk to English
people and they understand. This was especially important when
I had to go to downtown Winnipeg. I had an appointment with a
specialist oentist ano I hao to reao the signs to nno the place. At the
oentist`s olnce, I hao to nll out the oentist`s lorm without help. Also,
now I can remember the street names, and can understand when
somebody calls me on the phone. When I go shopping, I dont have
to ask il they can speak Low German. I`m nne with English. Irom
being powerless, I have come to be capable ano connoent, with help
from teachers and volunteers.
P
o
wer l
e
s
s
From
CAPABL E
and Confident
to
MY LIFE STARTED CHANGING AS
I WAS LEARNING TO READ, WRITE
AND SPEAK ENGLISH...
WriteOn Magazine Fall/Winter 2012-13
11
By Carmina Dueck
Adult Learner, Eastman Education Centre
Mountain Ahead
A
pplications. Tests. Fees. Exams.
These stressful necessities were the
start of my gradual journey toward
a grade 12 diploma. The overused metaphor
of a mountain ahead of me was surprisingly
accurate. Was a Health Care Aioe certincate
worth it? People assured me that it was.
So I took evening classes after work.
That phrase is one of the most groaned
at worldwide. But I did it, driving 100
kilometers each way, two evenings a
week, for a term. I found out that I
loved the subject. I loved the teacher. I loved
the knowledge that was sinking into my brain.
I was sad when it ended.
But by then I had reached the level to be
able to take Health Care Aide classes. Same
building, but different schedule, different
teacher, different classmates, different subjects.
Summer school. Another phrase to groan at.
But I resigned myself and fended off others
pitying looks.
We had good times and bad times. We had
awkward moments and hilarious ones.
We made new friends and learned new
techniques. Ano, when it was over, nnoing
an HCA position was the ultimate reward.
I got caught up in learning about health
care and applied for the nursing diploma.
An addiction to learning? Or stuck in a
rut? Whatever it was, I was there.
And so began the last leg of my drawn-out
trip to a high school diploma. Psychology
was enthralling. Family Studies was
quick. Math was challenging. Biology was
fascinating. Transactional English was
taxing, but in a good way.
Teachers were patient. Classmates were
supportive. Staff was helpful.
My time was spoken for. My evenings
were homework-nlleo. My luel bill
was boggling.
My horizons were broadened. My eyes
were opened. My mind was expanded.
I felt vulnerable as I experienced worry
about grades, frustration over assignments,
and a pounding heart as exams were
handed back. But everything was balanced
out with joys, accomplishments, and
higher levels. I persisted in my academic
journey and won a diploma.
And thats the story of my trip. My
achievement means the most to me
because I lived it; many others do not
understand the effort, nor need to. But I
tell them it was worth it; it made part of
me. And I tell them to try it too. I tell them
that it is possible. It was empowering. And,
in the long run, it was fun. Thank you.
THE OVERUSED METAPHOR
OF A MOUNTAIN AHEAD
OF ME WAS SURPRISINGLY
ACCURATE... BUT EVERYTHING
WAS BALANCED OUT WITH
JOYS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS,
AND HIGHER LEVELS.
My
Learner
Scholarship
Recipient
Eastman
Region
LPM
12
By Gordon Mayo
Adult Learner, Awakening DAWN Program
My ancestors were crying because of the way we were
treated in school.
We talked about good times at the dinner table, but people
woulo nght because we were short ol looo.
We were innovative and determined to get back what was
taken away from us as a family.
The love of my brothers, sisters and my family and
lrienos was like nnoing a new way ol lile. We were on
the right path.
It was comforting to know I was ok.
But to respect the people around me was hard.
I had to become the brave one. I could not be hurt again.
Im here today to improve my reading and writing. It was
hard back then, now its like trying to remember all the
things I forgot.
Today I have to forget the past and help others to read
and write.
Its my way of giving back what Ive learnt.
I now respect my elders and Ive learnt to pray
for everyone.
I NOW RESPECT MY
ELDERS AND IVE LEARNT TO
PRAY FOR EVERYONE.
12 12 122222 122222 12 12 12 122 1122 122 12 112 1112 122
Learner
Scholarship
Recipient
Essential Skills
Program
LPM
13
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D
r
e
a
m
s
Reflecting on
M
any times I have sat by my kitchen window drinking
coffee and watching the kids go to school. I often
think to myself that they are preparing for their
futures. For years, I have made
sure my children went to school. I
made sure they were preparing for
their futures. I am in my thirties
now and it is time to think about
my own future, dreams, and goals.
From my early years in school, I knew that I had to work so
hard in reading and writing and still not get as far as the other
students. I had to work very hard just to get the words on paper
and at times the words would be in a jumble. That is why I
would sometimes have to memorize phone messages if I had to
pass them onto someone.
As a single mother of three, I had to push myself very hard
because of the responsibilities and roadblocks I must face every
oay. Resioential School was a very oilncult time lor me. Being
oyslexic, I always thought that there was no way to nx this
problem so that I could reach the dreams that I had for my
family and myself. I have been at the Westgrove Adult Learning
Centre for three years. I was lucky to work with a teacher who
found different ways to help me with my reading and writing.
My connoence grew as my reaoing ano writing got better. I
knew my goals and dreams were within reach.
I am now into my fourth year and am
working harder to write my thoughts or
anyone elses thoughts on paper. Right
now, I am working on Stage 2 of the
Certincate in Literacy ano Learning. My
goal is to nnish Stage 3, ano hopelully,
be employeo lull-time. Alter I got my CFR Certincate, I was able
to get part-time work as a Community Helper at the Westgrove
Resource Centre. My goal of getting a job was realized.
I once heard that a pen is stronger than a sword. Now, I feel
that is so true. At Westgrove Learning Centre, I was able to set
up an email account with Google. I regularly send and receive
messages. I can use the computer to search the internet for the
information I need. Before, I had to get my kids to look things
up for me.
Attending Westgrove Learning Centre has made a big impact
on my lile. It has given me the connoence ano means to attain
my goals and dreams.
By Angela Keno
Adult Learner, Westgrove Learning Centre
MY CONFIDENCE GREW AS MY
READING AND WRITING GOT BETTER.
I KNEW MY GOALS AND DREAMS
WERE WITHIN REACH.
14
By Agnes Philbrow
Adult Learner, Portage Learning Centre
THE MORE I LOOK, THE
MORE I SEE THAT WORDS
ARE MY WORLD. I HAVE TO
ACCEPT THAT I KNOW I NEED
TO LEARN TO READ.
R
D
S
W
By Agnes
o
Today I am looking around and I notice lots
of items around me have words. TVs have a
mute channel, and more words are showing
up. Food packages have lots of words and
there are words I am sure even the best
reader doesnt understand or know how
to say. The computer in my basement has
information connecting to the outer world.
I look at my fridge with coupons posted on
it more words. My radio has words on it.
The more I look, the more I see that words
are my world. I have to accept that I know I
need to learn to read. I want to be part of this
world. Travel guides have words to help you
nno your way. My teacher is my guioe to help
people like me be part of this world. Teachers
guide us in this world of words.
WWWWWOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
WWWWWWOOOOORRRDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
WWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
WWWWORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
WWWORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSS
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSS
WWWWWWWWWWWWORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSS WOOOOORRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSS
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Learner
Scholarship
Recipient
South Central
Region
LPM
15
A couple, leaving their kids with a babysitter, kissed
their kids, and left their house.
As they were making their way to the gas station, they
talked about where they wanted to go, and what they
vcrc going to do. At nrst thcy thought of going to thc
nearby mountains, but then they decided to go north
vhcrc thcy couId go trout nshing. Thc hushand Iikcd
thc idca hccausc hc had ncvcr hcforc catcn trout nIIcts.
Thcy vcrc chccrfuIIy Iistcning to nusic and cnjoying
the ride when in the distance they saw a dark image
on thc trccIinc ahcad of thcn. Thc hushand vas quict,
while his wife was in a state of shock.
Thcrc, standing aIong thc trccIinc, vas a Saha*, ninc or
ten feet tall, glaring at them as they passed.
To this day, thc coupIc ncvcr spcaks of this to cach
othcr or to thcir chiIdrcn. Thc hushand said that if thc
Saha hcconcs hostiIc, hc viII hunt it.
*Saba is another namefor Sasquatch.
By Gordie Brass
Adult Learner, Awakening DAWN Program
THERE, STANDING ALONG
THE TREELINE, WAS A SABA*,
NINE OR TEN FEET TALL,
GLARING AT THEM
AS THEY PASSED.
16
Far off in the distance, strange things
Seem clear,
Like a bubbling brook.
Birds sing their own song,
Nothing ever goes wrong.
The presence of nature is all around,
And you notice footprints on the ground.
Trees tower the mountaintop,
Traveling the slanted hills.
Farther off you may notice a
neighboring deer
And the changes from the
time of year.
You climb to the top,
Where everything is lush and green.
Over the trees you notice a cabin,
Towering over the trees.
Around the cabin there are rocks,
On the rocks a katydid crawls into
The crack and beyond.
As you reach the top there is a waterfall,
And you hear the rush of water,
Caressing the rocks below.
A friendly chipmunk or squirrel,
Chirps to the sound.
Everything seems peaceful
As the breeze
Caresses
The trees ano nowers,
Ano the water slowly nows.
A nock ol oucks
Floats slowly
Into the weeds,
Growing high and thick,
As time drifts by.
Crickets creak
And a frog croaks
And the country
Plays a melody
Of the sweetest kind.
By Kathy Kopichanski
Adult Learner, Open Doors Adult Literacy Program
EVERYTHING SEEMS PEACEFUL
AS THE BREEZE
Far off in the dista
Seem clear,
Like a bubbling b
Birds sing their
Nothing ever g
The presence
And you noti
Trees tower
Traveling t
of
By By Kathy Kopicha
AAAdult Learner, Open
EVERYTHING S
AS THE
...AND THE COUNTRY PLAYS
A MELODY OF THE
SWEETEST KIND.
...AND THE COUNTR TRYY
A M
We breathed.
Thc norc conpIc sidc of it aII,
As simple as it seems,
But nonetheless,
It was the same air,
In the same house.
It was the same scent.
We heard the same sounds.
We felt the same ups and coped
with the same downs.
How can I feel ups when youre no
longer around?
I sav you and aInost frcqucntIy,
If only I knew what fate held,
I would have seen you more
appreciatively.
But nonetheless,
I saw you
So vc inhaIcd thc sanc thing.
We heard the same sounds.
But why am I walking the earth
While youre underground?
I dont get it, Im lost
I dont even want to understand,
How weve done the same things,
Yet youre spirit and Im man.
Its not fair and Id take it back
anytime that I could.
Id hurt myself a million times
before I hurt you,
And you know that I would.
Thcy say I shouId acccpt your dcath
And I know that I should,
But even God needing angels
Isnt a reason with enough good.
I was happy here with you.
You loved me, you showed me
I never had someone care so much.
By Tara Diamond
Adult Learner, Open Doors Adult Literacy Program
We Breathed
IT WAS THE SAME AIR,
IN THE SAME HOUSE.
IT WAS THE SAME SCENT.
17
Learner
Scholarship
Recipient
Winnipeg
Region
LPM
18 18
By Danielle Dubois
Literacy Partners of Manitoba (LPM) recently
caught up with George Bass, Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary of Wawanesa
Insurance. Since 2001, Wawanesa has
donated over $25,000 to Literacy Partners
of Manitoba. This generosity has directly
supported LPMs Go To LEARN referral
service, which matches Manitobans with
adult learning programs throughout
the province.
Wawanesa Insurance was founded in the
small town of Wawanesa, Manitoba in 1896.
Since then, Wawanesa has grown into one
of the largest insurers in Canada. George
Bass manages the philanthropic donations
program at Wawanesa.
Bass says that Wawanesa continues to give
because LPM promotes literacy and Essential
Skills in Manitoba. Wawanesa believes that
when adults develop these basic skills, their
chances of getting more education and
better jobs greatly improve.
He sees donating to LPM as an important
part of Wawanesas broader philanthropic
eff or t s, because
when Mani tobans
are better educated
and better employed,
they are less likely to
need help from other
sources. According
to Bass, LPM helps
Manitobans become
more engaged and
more competent at
home, at work and in
their communities.
Supporting Literacy Partners also ts within
Wawanesas broader strategic goal of
being a good corporate citizen. In order
for Wawanesa to support an organization,
that organization must provide a broad
community benet and have widespread
community support. Bass asserts that Literacy
Partners has both. Wawanesa believes that
donating where its employees work and live
is just part of doing good business.
George Bass,
Wawanesa Insurance
Vice President
Donating to Literacy Partners
of Manitoba: Its Good Business
Literacy Partners
of Manitoba is always
interested in developing
new partnerships.
Wed love to
hear from
you today.
Visit
manitobaliteracy.com/donate/
Call 1-866-947-5757
Email literacy@mb.literacy.ca
Thank you Wawanesa
for your years of generous support!
19
With over 30,000 publications in print, we are dedicated
to creating resources that are accessible to everyone.
publications
Be understood.
Literacy Partners of Manitoba offers plain language workshops and services.
Contact Us: 1-866-947-5757 t manitobaliteracy.com
40% of adult Manitobans have trouble reading.
With over 30,000 publications in print, we are dedicated
to creating resources that are accessible to everyone.
401-321 McDermot Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3A 0A3
Phone: (204) 947-5757
Toll-Free: 1-866-947-5757
www.manitobaliteracy.com
Builds partnerships across sectors to promote literacy
and Essential Skills in Manitoba
Provides referrals for adult learners, employment
counselors and workplaces to literacy and Essential
Skills programs in Manitoba through Go to LEARN
Leads the development of an Aboriginal
Literacy Strategy and hosts an annual
Aboriginal Literacy Symposium
Publishes booklets and a biannual magazine
Offers bursaries and scholarships for adult learners
Recognizes practitioners for literacy and Essential
Skills best practices
Provides workshops and training on literacy and
Essential Skills
Offers plain language consultations and content
development
Literacy Partners
o f Ma n i t o b a . . .
Go to LEARN
Your go-to guide
for adult learning
in Manitoba
gotolearn.manitobaliteracy.com
1-866-947-5757

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A Literacy Partners of Manitoba Publication Featuring the Writing of Manitobas Adult Learners

WriteOn Magazine Fall / Winter 2012-13

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