There are Labourer-Teachers in farms, nurseries, prison camps and factories. They do the same work and are paid the same wages as other labourers, but they also teach English, French and literacy skills to their co-workers. They act as translators, organize recreational and cultural activities, and discuss workplace health and safety issues. Senior Partners in Education , a program of the Family Literacy Center at Indiana University, uses the experience and goodwill of seniors to assure children of their intrinsic value and to encourage them to learn and succeed. Senior Partners write monthly letters to Junior Partners ranging in age from kindergartners to teenagers.
Some partners correspond electronically, also via the school.
Senior Partners pay an annual fee to cover the costs of matching partners and producing TheWrite Partner newsletter, which provides Senior Partners with ideas and resources. Seems like a good idea. If not, maybe someone should start one. Linking with Food Banks - Literacy Partners of Manitoba is working with Winnipeg Harvest to develop ways to encourage food bank clients to consider upgrading their education through literacy programs. LPM will provide posters and pads with their referral phone number as a first step, and are also discussing the need for an on-site scribe service at the food banks, to meet immediate needs.