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Imagine you are at a job interview.

At the end of the interview, they hand you the following form.
If you don’t complete it, you don’t get the job.

Achternaam: _________________________________

Voornaam: ___________________________________

Woonplaats: _________________________________

Geboortedatum: ______________________________

Werk Ervaring: ________________________________

Vaardigheden: ________________________________

                       Handtekening: _________________

                       Datum: ________________________

 

Here are the answers:

Achternaam: Surname
Voornaam: First Name
Woonplaats: Residence
Geboortedatum: Date of Birth
Werk Ervaring: Work Experience
Vaardigheden: Skills
Handtekening: Signature
Datum: Date

 

How did you do?

More importantly, how did you feel while you tried to figure out the Dutch words? Did you want to give up right away? Did it feel impossible?

What literacy skills did you use to figure out some answers? Did some words look like others you knew? Did the indentation at the bottom of the form help you figure out it was probably asking for your signature and the date?

This activity is used in our volunteer adult tutor training. It helps create a sense of how you respond when you don’t know something you think you should and the skills you use to help yourself figure it out.

Currently, one in three adults in Saskatchewan struggle with daily tasks like filling out a form, reading a bank statement, or understanding a manual. This causes many adults to feel shame and embarrassment. We have heard some adults keep our number in their pocket for months before reaching out for help. It takes courage to make that call.

 

Meet Mohamed.

 

“My name is Mohamed. I am originally from Sudan and my high school education was completed there. Needing to flee the civil war in Sudan, my brother and I sought safety in neighbouring Cairo, Egypt in 2001. In 2004, we came to Canada.

I started English classes when I arrived. However, after a couple years, I needed to leave school to look for work and was employed for many years in different kinds of businesses as a labourer.

I quickly realized I needed help learning more English to improve my employment opportunities.

Many organizations referred me to Foundations and in 2005, I met my first tutor.
He helped me with grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and very importantly, confidence. Together, we also used to volunteer with seniors to meet people and to experience Canadian culture.

I became a Canadian citizen and realized I didn’t even know how to drive. My learning continued. I had driving shock like culture shock! It seemed impossible that I could operate a car but, working together with my tutors, in 2011, I started driving taxi. Today I own my own cab and have one employee.

In 2019, my coach Steve and I were matched, and we continue to work on grammar and vocabulary. I practice English and idioms with the people I drive around, trying out different expressions in our conversations. I take note of the ones I don’t understand in conversations and ask Steve at our next meeting.

My goal is to someday get my GED so I can fulfill my dream to go to university.
For now, I continue to learn.

There is an Arabic saying: Education raises the house that has no foundation.

Increasing my literacy skills changed my world. They helped me find better jobs and run my business. They allow me to provide for my family back home, build confidence, and dream that one day I will start my first university class.

Sincerely,

 

Mohamed Khalifa Elmahdi Gomma

 

Mohamed is not alone.

Last year, Foundations worked with 1,385 children and adults who reached out to improve their literacy skills, but there are so many waiting for help. You can ensure people have the skills they need to achieve their learning goals. By becoming a donor and investing in your community, you will ensure there are free services available to people like Mohamed and his family.

 

The Korchinski Family Foundation has generously offered to:

• double all donations up to $749 and
• triple donations of $750 and over (up to $50,000)

to the Foundations Light a Spark campaign. The Korchinski Family is proud to make a positive impact in our community by supporting organizations that provide personal and professional skill development in Saskatchewan.

 

Thank you for considering making a gift.