Shelley Harris – Ontario
Shelley Harris, Manager of Education and Employment at the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, has had the privilege of working in many facets of Adult Education for over 20 years. She began her career in Northern Ontario working with Aboriginal learners and has worked with women’s groups, people living in poverty, newcomers, and multiple barriered learners. Harris supports client-centred programming that is accessible and flexible for all community members. Her highly skilled staff passionately advocates and supports their clients’ goals while building self-awareness and participation. The YWCA has a long and solid history of leadership in community building and Harris embeds this spirit throughout her programming.
Aleisha DeRoche – Prince Edward Island
For Aleisha DeRoche, school was a challenge. “I struggled with the traditional three ‘R’s’, reading, writing and math,” she says. Understanding anything related to grammar and spelling was especially difficult and very frustrating. Her frustration resulted in poor attendance and, eventually, expulsion from the regular high school setting. At the age of 16, after a period of time in the Alternative Education Program, DeRoche dropped out of school. Six long years of wandering in the unemployment wilderness of PEI and Alberta, and “not making that million dollars I was promised out west”, saw her move back home. DeRoche returned to school as an adult, completed grade 12, graduated from the Licensed Practical Nurse Program, became a mother and was accepted into the school of nursing at the University of PEI. DeRoche broke down barriers that stood in her way as a young person in the public school system. She now has consistent and reliable work in the health field and skills that will continue to grow.
Anne-Marie Larochelle – Québec
Enrolled in the Centre d’alphabétisation populaire Matawinie Est (East Matawinie Literacy Centre) for two years, Anne-Marie Larochelle, her instructor and her peers all attest to the benefits derived from her hard work. In addition to her progress in reading and writing, Madame Larochelle’s literacy journey has helped her to gain confidence in her abilities and to take on new things in life. Madame Larochelle takes advantage of public speaking opportunities and her involvement is always appreciated by her peers. As she says, “I proved to myself that I am able to do things in life, that I am capable of learning and improving. I am very proud of myself.”
Phyllis Jones – Saskatchewan
As an active volunteer at the Regina Public Library for 24 years, Phyllis Jones has helped numerous adults achieve their personal literacy goals. She has led weekly English-language tutoring sessions for new immigrants for the last 11 years, helping orient newcomers to their new home. As a result of her efforts, learners have passed GED exams, found jobs, started businesses and continued their studies at the university level. Jones’ joy is sharing in the students’ endeavours and watching them succeed.