Open House opens the door to new range of learning possibilities

From left: Lois Polege, Nanette Jones, and Trisha McGowan welcomed visitors to the Flagstaff Community Adult Learning Centre on Thursday, Sept. 7 during an Open House.

Last Friday was national Literacy Day, the perfect day for Flagstaff Community Adult Learning (FCAL) to host an open house. Many people from the community found their way through their doors and were greeted with friendly faces, and a range of possibilities and resources they were previously unaware of.

Nanette Jones, Program Coordinator, gave a tour of the programs, classes, workshops, and resources.

A Running for Office workshop was held on Sept. 5 and was open to anyone interested in county or local town office.

“It was a success” says Jones, “everyone who came left with a better understanding of what it means to run for Council and how possible it is for those who are passionate about their communities.

“Deborah Moffat presented, and gave the attendees some much-appreciated information and a better understanding of the processes involved.”

The variety in what Flagstaff Adult Learning does may surprise some. During the tour, Jones described a number of different programs, many of which have been running for years.

The purpose of the open house on Literacy day was to showcase what FCAL has to offer the community.

“This is our chance to showcase the fall programs we have in place, and to get feedback from students and instructors, and to hear what they are interested in,” Says Lois Polege, Adult Education Coordinator.

Polege teaches free English classes in Forestburg for those who are new to Canada. These classes cover a variety of topics to meet the needs of the students at various levels of fluency. Everything from grocery lists to conversation, from Doctors visits to budgets, and how to use, or not use a credit card, are among the topics that students discuss.

FCAL also offers free assistance with resumes, which is something Polege really enjoys being part of.

There is also a Job Board that compiles Job listings available in and around Flagstaff County, which Trisha McGowan updates weekly, online, as well as in the office. McGowan, the Admin Assistant for FCAL, also puts together welcome bags for people and families who are new to Flagstaff County.

Literacy covers a range of things; it isn’t just about being able to read and knowing your ABCs.

“Literacy is about understanding the tools that are available to all of us, and in many ways, are required to live a successful life both personally and professionally,” says Polege.