P.A.L.S.- Project Adult Literacy Society

The mission of PALS - Project Adult Literacy Society is "Changing Lives Through Literacy."

PALS is a community-based not for profit organization that provides programs which address the learning needs of adults with low literacy. Literacy is  the ability “to identify, understand, interpret, communicate, create, compute and use printed and written materials associated within varying contexts.” Being able to read a book to your child, navigate the transit system, order food from a menu or submit an application for a job ...skills that most of us take for granted. One in three adults in Edmonton has low literacy skills.

PALS offers four literacy programs as follows:

Literacy Program: Learners work to improve their comprehension and fluency when reading and writing. There is an established curriculum that they can work through that will help them build their skills. Learners can also join a book club or a writing circle to work on their skills in a more informal manner. We offer small writing and grammar groups. It is good to work together with other literacy learners and see that they are not alone. Extracurricular activities like workshops or Singalong help them to laugh and learn and expand their abilities.

LELL (Literacy for English Language Learners): For adult learners at the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or below in speaking English.
Learners work on their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, along with other real-life related projects to help them meet their goals. Learners are also encouraged to participate in a Conversation Group and/or a Writing Group. Learners in this program are mostly Canadian citizens, permanent residents or refugees who have lived in Canada for more than five years. The primary focus of this program is to help them improve their English literacy (reading and writing) skills while they continue to work on their conversational skills.

Math Literacy: For adult learners looking to improve their basic math skills for everyday life, school, or employment. Materials range from whole numbers and basic operations to high-school algebra. Many of the learners are preparing for entrance into apprenticeship programs. Additional math test preparation workshops and math in science modules are offered. One in two adults in Edmonton has low-level math skills.

Digital Literacy: Focuses on skills needed for everyday life and basic work/school tasks. Eg: turning on a computer, conducting an internet search, finding information about local businesses, booking medical appointments, communicating with family and friends, online shopping, doing a job search and working with basic word-processing and spreadsheet programs with a focus on how the programs apply in daily living.

How the Programs Work:

PALS program coordinators match learners one to one with a volunteer tutor who will help them with their literacy goals. There is no cost to the learner and tutoring sessions are set up, so they fit into their life.

The volunteers at PALS are mentors and facilitators of learning. They help their learners develop their literacy skills to achieve their goals. Volunteers and learners meet weekly for 2 hours and continue to meet on an ongoing basis. Meetings can either be at PALS or at a public location in Edmonton, such as a library or a recreation facility. Training, materials, and ongoing support is provided.