Executive Director, Chris Prosser, of The Literacy Group
The Literacy Group’s mission is to guide and empower people in Waterloo Region by building skills and unlocking potential-changing lives one word, one number, and one click at a time. Executive Director Chris Prosser joined Rotarians on July 15, 2022 to describe the group's successes and challenges as they work to improve lives in the community.
Chris Prosser is the Executive Director for The Literacy Group of Waterloo Region. Chris immigrated to Canada from the UK with his Canadian wife in 2012. Since then, Chris has worked in the non-profit sector and works to provide all adults with the literacy skills needed to increase the quality of their lives. Chris is kept very busy with his two small children and a Bernese Mountain Dog called Scout.
With 24 years in Waterloo Region, The Literacy Group’s (TLG) vision is that everyone, regardless of ability, culture or status, will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to realize their potential and to flourish. Literacy isn't just about reading and writing - it's so much more. One in four adults has some degree of literacy challenges, whether it be traditional literacy, numeracy, or digital literacy.
Digital Literacy is the biggest challenge, but is improving. This includes creating an email account or performing a google search. 44% of Ontarians struggle with digital literacy.
Part of a number of local resources, TLG connects with the majority or their clients through referrals within the service network. Who is accessing literacy help? 46% of those accessing support are adults under the age of 30 years old.
Unemployed adults with low literacy are twice more likely to stay unemployed for more than 6 months.
The Literacy Group helps adults improve their literacy skills in the following ways:
- Free tutoring to adults 18+ years
- Personal assessment to determine students’ individual needs
- Student-tutor matches based on individual needs
- Structured teaching manuals and student workbooks
- Individual student-centred training plan
- One-to-one tutoring
- Small group tutoring
- Computer based learning
- Workplace skills training
- Ongoing support and follow-up
- Childcare and transportation expenses may be available*
Want to learn more about The Literacy Group? Visit their website.