Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador

Sharing Teaching Skills on ESL and Literacy: Coalition on Richer Diversity

Project Start/End Dates: January 2009 – August 2009

Initial Project Description: Sharing Teaching Skills on English as a Second Language and Literacy is a program developed by the Coalition on Richer Diversity in an effort to increase literacy among new residents of the province. The aim of this program is to develop ongoing collaboration and support between various agencies to provide better learning opportunities for non-English speaking immigrants with low levels of formal education in Newfoundland and Labrador. The overall goal of this project is to:

  • Create a learning environment for ESL learners
  • Create a basis for identifying ESL resources available in this province
  • Professional collaboration regarding ESL and literacy
  • Complete group activities such as research, development of new resources, group work with learners, and reaching out to families and schoolchildren

Project Outcomes: The Coalition on Richer Diversity has weekly meetings as a part of the project to collaborate and research ways to enhance and simplify opportunities for ESL learners. So far, the meetings have had a large number of individuals in attendance, with increasing numbers every week. Professionals and individuals are very enthusiastic about the program and there is agreement on a range of issues that need to be addressed. The Coalition on Richer Diversity has received a great deal of information outlining a complex set of programs with various kinds of accessibility. The large amount of information collected has shown a need for further research and coordination between programs regarding ESL which will be addressed in future efforts by The Coalition on Richer Diversity.

Developed and hosted by NALD in collaboration with Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.