Free Literacy Course Launches at UFV Hope Campus This September

Adults in Hope, British Columbia, will have the opportunity to enhance their literacy skills with a free course offered at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). The program, titled English for Academic Preparation 064 (EAP 064), begins on September 19, 2023, and runs until December 20, 2023.

EAP 064 is tailored primarily for individuals whose first language is not English. The course aims to improve students’ written literacy skills, enabling them to write more effectively in both workplace and academic settings. According to Darla Dickinson, executive director of Empowered Support Services Society, “The goal is to help bring people’s writing and reading skills up in order to gain the entrance requirements for university.”

Many individuals in the community seek to upgrade their skills but face challenges due to language barriers. Dickinson highlighted the frustration experienced by those who wish to pursue further education but find their language proficiency inadequate.

The course is currently open exclusively to domestic students, which includes those holding Permanent Residency, naturalized citizenship, CUAET visas, or protected status. Participants must also have access to a computer with an internet connection. While spots are still available, they are primarily reserved for individuals who have completed their Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) through either Empowered Support Services Society in Hope or Chilliwack Community Services. A minimum average score of 6 or higher on the CLB is required, with some flexibility for students scoring 5, who may face additional requirements.

The demand for literacy programs in Hope is evident. Dickinson noted that 22 percent of residents lack any qualifications beyond high school, significantly surpassing the provincial average of 14.1 percent. Additionally, 33 percent of residents do not possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, limiting their access to education and employment opportunities.

These statistics correlate with the community’s economic indicators. The average income in Hope is 34.7 percent lower than the provincial average, while the unemployment rate stands at 11.6 percent, compared to the provincial rate of 6.1 percent. Such figures underscore the critical need for accessible literacy programs in the area, particularly those offered at no cost.

Dickinson expressed hope that the upcoming course will lead to increased academic and workplace support for individuals at all literacy levels. “To have these courses coming to Hope we need to demonstrate need,” she stated. “If we can demonstrate need, then we can have more programs and more services in our community, through UFV and other agencies.”

Although the program is free, some student fees may apply. Dickinson mentioned that Empowered Support Services may assist in covering costs if students reach out prior to the orientation, which is scheduled to begin on September 12 at the Hope campus.

While EAP 064 primarily targets those less fluent in English, Dickinson noted that there are options for more proficient students as well. “There are a lot of people that need to bring their English level skills up in order to move forward,” she said. “Sometimes, just being out of school for a while, we lose a lot of those skills.”

For further details about the course and enrollment procedures, individuals can contact Dickinson at 604-860-0510 or reach out to Chilliwack Community Services via email. This initiative represents a significant step toward fostering a more educated community and enhancing employment prospects through improved literacy.