Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society was founded in 1986 and is a registered charity. We provide literacy support for adults, refugees, immigrant families, children and seniors. We have helped thousands of people from across the Central Okanagan enhance their literacy skills and improve their quality of life. Project Literacy is funded entirely by grants and donations. Currently, Project Literacy has over 130 tutor/learner active pairs enrolled in our programming.
Our Vision
Empowering individuals to reach their literacy goals.
Our Mission
To provide volunteer-based literacy support services to improve the quality of life in the Central Okanagan.
Core Values and Commitment
Project Literacy has four core values that guide the perspective of the organization and create the foundation by which decisions are made.
Our core values are:
Flexibility
Project Literacy believes in matching learning opportunities with each individual learners needs.
We commit to work collaboratively with each learner to develop a learning plan that considers:
- the learners short and long-term goals
- current level of comprehension of the subject matter
- the learners interests, values and culture
- current and changing life circumstances
Quality
Project Literacy believes in providing free quality learning support.
We commit to:
- ensure our learners receive individual instruction from knowledgeable and trained volunteers tutors
- the use of relevant and reputable learning resources
- create a positive and encouraging learning environment that is non-judgmental
Inclusivity
Project Literacy believes that literacy should be available to everyone.
We commit to:
- provide individualized support to those who voluntarily seek our services
- provide accommodations for limitations that are experienced by our learners and tutors wherever possible
- celebrate the diversity of our learners, tutors and staff
Sustainability
Project Literacy believes in providing services that are sustainable in the community over the long term.
We commit to:
- promote the importance of literacy to the success of individuals and communities
- promote life-long learning for everyone
- promote the spirit of community volunteerism
- acknowledge and appreciate the support of Project Literacy volunteers
- be a financially responsible organization
- be accountable to our funders
Project Literacy will achieve our vision and mission by utilizing available resources:
- to increase public awareness of the importance of literacy within the Central Okanagan
- to provide ongoing training and support to our volunteer tutors
- to provide a safe and friendly environment for our learners
- to cooperate with community agencies to promote a holistic and inclusive client support service network
- to raise the funds necessary to sustain our organization
In the last year, over 200 community members received learning support over 120 tutors. Our tutors each donate on average 120 hours annually.
The province of B.C. values their labour at $25 an hour; at this rate, we provide $300,000 worth of education support each year. With regards to return on investment, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The bulk of the value created flows from the over 200 community members, who for the rest of their lives will be better able to contribute to our economy and our society.
Our Strategic Planning Process
The Board of Directors and Executive Director of Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society (PLCOS) undertook a strategic planning process in late 2020, for the purpose of determining the strategic directions of the organization for the 3-year period of April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2024. The Board contracted Avril Paice as a consultant to facilitate this process.
At the beginning of the planning process, structured interviews were conducted with the Board President and Vice-President, the Executive Director, and the staff. The results of these interviews formed the basis of the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis.
This SWOT analysis was further expanded upon during the first strategic planning session on November 21, 2020. This first session also provided Board members with an opportunity to share their personal motivations for volunteering with PLCOS, resulting in a rich discussion around the significant impacts of the organization. The hard-working and talented staff and volunteer team, and skilled Executive Director, were given much recognition and credit by the Board for the success of the organization.
The session produced a draft strategic plan which included high-level outcomes, specific deliverables within those categories, and strategies to achieve the desired outcomes within the three-year period of the strategic plan.
Literacy really is a gift that keeps on giving.
Project Literacy is a proud member of the Central Okanagan Partners for Literacy
