As tutors, we can act as guides to learning, giving the student the tools, experiences and materials necessary for their own learning. Ultimately, however, everyone is responsible for his or her own learning. We believe that success leads to more success. Every lesson should leave the student with some knowledge that he didn't previously possess. This could be discovering the meaning of a new word or finishing a book for the first time.
People learn best in a situation where they are respected and encouraged to reach out and discover.
Leslie soon had friends helping her tutor other adults, and before long other people heard about it and wanted to get involved. And from these humble and unplanned beginnings, grew the English-language literacy programme in the South Temiskaming area. In May of 1989, Vicki Trottier became the programme co-ordinator, and shortly afterwards, she was approached by local social service agencies to form a council. We felt that a programme overseen by a council, rather than an individual, would allow us to become a more active and professional member of our community. In February of 1990, the Literacy Council of South Temiskaming held its inaugural meeting.