By Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Grant to help adult literacy, English skills

Nov 17, 2016 | 12:01 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Lethbridge Public Library is getting more government dollars for an important literacy program.

Yudith San Miguel Ramos spoke no English when she first came to Canada from Cuba. Since beginning the Read On program in 2008 her English skills have advanced to the point where she’s in university working on her Human Resources certification.

“My first tutor… today she’s not only my tutor, she’s also my good Canadian friend,” she told reporters. She said students can benefit from everything from pronunciation to computer training.

“The first thing you need to do is learn the language, English,” she said. “Your life definitely can get much better.”

Advanced Education minister Marlin Schmidt was at the library to announce a $260,000 grant for Read On from the Community Adult Learning Program, the largest single grant to come out of the program.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“About one out of every five Albertans struggles from literacy skills,” Schmidt said, saying improving those skills will lead them to “bigger and better things.”

“The thought of leaving people behind without investing in these kinds of programs is too much to bear, and I think we all have a responsibility to make sure that we lift each other up and give everybody the opportunity for success,” he said.

The Read On program helps approximately 250 people each year. The library has been running it for more than three decades.

by Geoff Smith (@smithco on Twitter)

Grant to help adult literacy, English skills

What's Happening