LITERACY ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY FOR EDUCATION

(L A C E)

In March of 2005, the first L A C E student group met. This organization was formed so that students could become better acquainted with other students and tutors as well as learn about community resources and programs. Suggestions were made at this meeting as to what type of activities in which the group should participate. A community service activity was suggested and was performed at the second meeting at which the students folded letters for the American Cancer Society. The third meeting involved working on scrapbooks, an activity planned to help students gain both personal and family enrichment.

The last L A C E meeting of the 2004-2005 school year was held on May 25, 2005. At this meeting, adult students and their families enjoyed a pizza party and celebrated the end of the school year. After the meal, children actively participated in a Father’s Day card-making activity where they decorated a card that included a photo taken that evening. Karen Greer, an instructor for adult education and a trainer for the VALC, facilitated the children’s activity time.

Also at this meeting, Mrs. JoAnne Settles, Nursing Instructor at Victoria College, provided a session on health care issues for the adults who participated in the evening’s event. Donna Bentley, VALC’s Executive Director, facilitated student questions about health care issues that were a concern to them and their families.

This school year, there have been a number of activities, including a Thanksgiving Day Lunch sponsored by the Victoria Adult Literacy Council and Victoria College Adult Education Center. Also, prior to the Christmas break in mid-December, a Christmas Social was held. All students who wished to participate submitted recipes for the desserts, etc. they had brought and a recipe book was compiled and given to each participant.

On May 18, 2006, VALC and the Victoria College Adult Education Center hosted a student event and demonstrated the preparation of healthy summer snacks. Donna Bentley, Executive Director of VALC, gave a presentation on nutrition; and Karen Greer, an instructor with the Victoria Adult Education Center and a Tutor Trainer for VALC, gave a presentation on fire safety. A total of 21 students attended and all enjoyed the summer snacks.

The VALC looks forward to continuing to provide monthly L A C E meetings with even more community involvement and activities for the enrolled adult learners.