A new location and a need for tutors for Whitecourt’s Community Adult Learning Program

Since 2019, Norquest College has received the Government of Alberta’s Community Adult Learning Program grant funding, enabling them to set up learning hubs, including the one in Whitecourt. Until recently, the Community Adult Learning Program in Whitecourt (CALP) was located in the upstairs area of the Midtown Mall. A change in scenery has brought the team down to sidewalk level just a hop, skip and a jump down the road at 4907 51 Avenue, across from Rainbow Restaurant.

“The mall space was great for a time, but it became much less busy through the pandemic with other agencies that were up there having their doors closed. We didn’t get the same visibility and traffic accessibility anymore,” explained Odette Lloyd, the CALP Team Lead in Whitecourt. “

They had also recently secured more funding which gave the Whitecourt office the chance to move to a better, more suitable location. “We had extended our hours a bit, and the mall locked their doors after a certain time along with the elevators. It was tough for the public to get to our office. It was an issue, especially if they were in a wheelchair, as we couldn’t access the elevator,” explained Program Support Faye Myshyniuk.

Now more visible and easier to access, Lloyd hopes to see more people accessing their wide variety of programs. “Our main priorities are literacy, numeracy, basic digital skills, and English language learning. It’s for anyone living in Alberta over the age of 18. People can participate in our programs, and we can help bridge them to other learning opportunities or their personal goals,” said Lloyd.

On Monday, October 3, staff, including those from Norquest’s Edmonton campus, local learners, and representatives from the Town of Whitecourt and the Chamber of Commerce, helped celebrate the ribbon cutting for the new location. “We were very excited to get the support from the community to welcome us into our new space,” said Lloyd.

CALP serves learners through different programs focused on foundational skill learning. “We try to work on a personalized, individualized basis. When people come to us, we will help them figure out what learning goals they might have and what kind of plan would work for them. Then, we do our best to either leverage our resources or connect them to partners. There are many different pathways,” said Lloyd.

One growing popular is their English as a Second Language (ESL) program. “We are seeing a demand in people looking for support with English. We also know from some of our former learners that we expect a couple of Ukrainian families to arrive. Our partners at the Adult Learning Program in Fox Creek have already had an influx. Even in the region, ESL is becoming a bigger demand,” explained Lloyd.

With an increase in need also comes an increased demand for volunteer tutors, which Lloyd and Myshyniuk will focus on going forward. “For volunteers, we provide training and resources, and the time commitment is about two hours a week. The requirements are that tutors are 18 years or older and have confidence in speaking, reading, and writing in English. When we support adult learners, we always tell them it’s a journey, and a tutor’s job isn’t to know all the answers but rather to walk with the person along the journey, supporting them.”

Not sure you have what it takes to be a tutor? Lloyd said that people might be surprised to know who often does best. “In my experience, sometimes people who’ve never been in a teacher role or who struggled themselves in the formal education system can make the best tutors because they have empathy and an understanding of what some of those barriers might be. There’s a lot you can do in a group, but at the lower level, one-on-one really makes a difference.”

Those interested in volunteering their time are encouraged to reach out. “We have a newcomer to Canada in our community whose goal is to volunteer so she can meet people, but she is not confident in her English yet to get out there. Her goal is just as good as any other. Some people come to us and want to be able to read more and maybe read a book to their grandbabies. Any goal works. It’s about sharing the journey and being a great cheerleader.”

Whether someone is seeking their GED for a work-related goal or wants to get their GED with college in mind, CALP’s support is there to help. Those with barriers that include transportation or money, Lloyd said they could help there too. Chrome books can even be lent out thanks to a partnership with the Whitecourt & District Public Library through the Community Access Project. “We can support people with bus tickets or gas cards if they need that to get to programs. For family obligations, though we are generally adult learning, if people don’t have childcare and want to bring the baby along, then they do so. A registration fee should never be what stops someone from learning.”

CALP typically serves thirty to forty adult learners each year. Lloyd said she wants to see that number grow. They will also expand their services beyond the community with in-person programs in Mayerthorpe soon and eventually Onoway. “The beauty of what we get to do is its community and its relationships. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure here!”