In 1991 a survey of more than ninety employers in the region helped identify potential students and their learning needs.
A group of community-based individuals and agency representatives who were concerned about the Kandier in the area originated The Pembina Valley Language Education for Adults (PVLEA) committee. The term Kanadier refers to Mennonite people and their offspring who moved from Canada to Mexico and South and Central America 1920's and have since returned to the region. Many have returned in an effort to improve their economic situation and standard of living. Their first language is Low German, while formal schooling in South and Central America was usually conducted in High German and lasted anywhere from 0-7 years. This lack of formal education and little knowledge of English deters the Kanadier from obtaining employment and integrating fully into the Canadian community.
Initially the committee was drawn up to address the oral language needs of the Kanadier, but has broadened to include literacy and other training concerns of the whole region. Anyone wishing to improve language skills for personal reasons or to attain educational goals are welcome. Programming presently encompasses a broad range from beginning reading and writing to university entrance courses.
Over the past several years comprehensive needs assessments have been conducted in the various communities and learners as well as employers have provided input into the programs that evolved. Presently there are approximately 20 programs throughout the region. These programs are coordinated by part-time staff hired by the committee.
The present PVLEA committee is a working partnership of local community organizations, adult education delivery facilities, school divisions, and representatives from local, provincial and federal agencies. The representatives include: community organizations such as: Other adult education deliverers such as: School Divisions: Local government agencies: Other interested individuals and agency representatives are welcome to attend the monthly meetings. The strength and uniqueness of this committee is apparent in the cooperative collaborative model of approach to delivering programming in the region.
Drawing on the resources and abilities of all the members, the committee acts as the eyes and ears of the community to identify learning concerns, share information, and set guidelines and priorities for area planning. The Program subcommittee, with membership open to all PVLEA members, is responsible for reviewing program proposals and developing the annual program plan. The Finance subcommittee, open to funders, identifies and consolidates funding in support of the annual program plan.
The Program Coordinators are responsible for overall activities relating to the development and delivery of programs, providing teacher support, and reporting directly to both subcommittees and to the PVLEA committee at large. Community counterparts work directly with the community recruiting students, developing and maintaining programs, and providing ongoing student support. Staff (full-time and part-time as required) is hired to facilitate the design and delivery of the programs.
PVLEA acts as an advisory board to the full-time Pembina Valley Learning Centre. Part-time ESL Oracy and Literacy classes are also offered. Classes were held in Altona, Morris, Winkler and Morden this past year. These classes provided learners with the opportunity to improve the skills that create independence in the community, to build self-esteem, to enhance employability and to further their training/education. Approximately 250 learners participate in programs annually. The classes are held in the evening or daytime according to the needs of the learners. In some instances student support is also provided, such as on site childcare. Workplace Language Training programs are also available. These programs address oral and written communication needs specific to the workplace. The classes are designed and delivered on site throughout the region.
PVLEA has devised innovative ways to consolidate funding from both federal and provincial sources to provide the most efficient and effective use of resources. A location used daily for full-time classes doubles as an evening class location. Materials and supplies obtained from various sources are housed in one central location at the Learning Centre and are used by all programs. Professional Development sessions are held with instructors from all programs ensuring that program philosophy and delivery is consistent. This sharing of facilities minimizes duplication and overlap of services.
RATIONALE
PVLEA is committed to ensuring that appropriate and quality learning opportunities are made available to adults in the region. In 1989 a comprehensive assessment study, prompted by the PVLEA committee, was conducted amongst learners and employers to determine the overall Literacy and Adult Education needs in the Pembina Valley. The existing programs are community-based and learner-centred. They have strong backing from a broad sector of the community and are designed to meet the varied needs of the adults who participate in the programs. It is essential that each program design reflects the needs expressed by the learners involved within their community, home and workplace setting.
PVLEA was the recipient of the (Manitoba) Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literacy which was presented by the Honourable Yvon Dumont at Government House on Friday November 22, 1996.
