Some literacy groups not invited to talks on how to share money
Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Mar 05/01) - Groups that run grassroots literacy programs are worried they won't see any the $700,000 earmarked for community-level literacy programs for months, if ever.
Two weeks after the Education department announced a $2 million literacy strategy, Aurora College is one of the only organizations in negotiations with department officials.
At least four non-governmental organizations offering literacy services in Yellowknife and Inuvik contacted by News/North were not invited to the table.
"In the first year the $700,000 has been earmarked for providing access in every community," said Lesley Allen, assistant deputy Education minister.
How much the college will receive is under review.
"It won't be a secret. We can't say at this point because we're not quite sure whether the college is going to have partnerships in all communities," Allen said.
The College was chosen because it is a stable, consistent educational institution with learning centres throughout the NWT, Allen said.
Enhancing access to literacy programs, increasing awareness and monitoring results are the strategy's main goals.
"It makes sense for literacy and adult basic education to be under one guiding party but that doesn't mean there won't be partnerships," Allen said.
Other people are not so sure.
Cate Sills, NWT Literacy Council executive director, is aware of, but not alarmed by, this initial lack of additional funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
"There's no doubt the college deserves the money but, should they be the only ones who get funding?" said Sills.
The council was never in line for funding because it's a referral centre -- not a direct service provider. However, Sills said the NGOs the council refers people to could always use more money, she said.
The groups include the NWT Native Women's Association, NWT Council for Disabled Persons and Yellowknives Dene First Nations.
Aurora College campus director Kathleen Purchase was unaware of any possible dissension.
"I hope we can work together. This money is for everybody," Purchase said.
Many NGOs receive funding for projects from the government's Community Skills For Work fund.
"Groups that are already getting money, if they got it from Community Skills for Work, may continue to get money through calls for proposals," Allen said.
