Elgin - Literacy Link South Central

ProcessThe process of literacy service planning varies from year to year, to respond to changes inthe environment in which literacy programs operate. For example, in Western Ontario, manycommunities have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Many people have lost their jobsand are now seeking to take advantage of the Second Career initiative. In order to be eligiblefor postsecondary programming, many displaced workers have to upgrade their academicskills. This year’s Literacy Service Planning discussions revolved considerably arounddisplaced workers, their needs, and the impact of their increasing numbers on local literacyprograms.Next year (2010/2011), it is unfortunately likely that some of the displaced workers willexhaust their Employment Insurance benefits and will look to access Ontario Works as anincome support. In 2010/2011, many Literacy Service Planning groups will develop strongerlinkages with Ontario Works and initiate discussions and partnerships, in an effort to supportthis new group of clients.In addition, literacy networks have been developing stronger linkages with organizations thatprovide literacy services for adults but that have not historically been funded through theLiteracy and Basic Skills system. As Employment Ontario undergoes its transformation, allagencies are now funded through the Employment Ontario and broader community planningis both desirable and required. While it takes more resources to support more organizations,by including all agencies that provide literacy training in literacy service planning, the resultwill be a more comprehensive and effective literacy plan and better service for clients.Each year, regional literacy networks work with their local training board(s) to ensure thatliteracy is well represented in discussions that result in the development of the TOPs Reports(Trends, Opportunities, and Priorities). TOPs reports identify factors that impact local economicdevelopment and it is not surprising that literacy and Essential Skills have slowly been makingtheir way into the top local issues in most communities.2