MONTREAL, March 14, 2012 /CNW/ - In 1912, the population of Quebec was 3,331,888. At that time more than 80% of the workers in Quebec had not finished high school. Many were working in isolated lumber camps and bush camps. Alfred Fitzpatrick, the founder of Frontier College, recruited students from Laval and McGill Universities as Labourer-Teachers, volunteers who worked during the day as labourers and then, during the evenings, helped their colleagues to improve their literacy skills.
Today, Frontier College is still a cornerstone of literacy support in Quebec, as well as the rest of Canada. Trained volunteers work with children, youth and adults in homework clubs, reading circles, and one-to-one tutoring. As well, Frontier College teaches other community organizations how to improve their clients' literacy skills.
President of Frontier College Sherry Campbell is excited to celebrate this milestone. "There are few organizations in Canada that have the kind of long, proud history that we have. I am proud of the role we play in helping people raise their level of education and learning. At 100 years old, we're still relevant and responding to the needs out there."
| What: | Frontier College is celebrating 100 years in Quebec | |
| Where: | Écomusée du fier monde (2050, Amherst Street) in Montreal | |
| When: | March 22nd, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | |
| Who: | Past and present volunteers, board members, staff and learners | |
| Why: | To celebrate and to learn more about the work that this non-profit organization. |
About Frontier College
Frontier College is Canada's original literacy organization. Founded in 1899, this non-profit organization recruits and trains volunteers to deliver literacy programs to children, youth and adults in communities across the country. Frontier College helps Canadians improve their literacy and increase their opportunities. We believe that literacy is a right.
Abby Robins, Director of Communications, Frontier College
[email protected]
416-923-3591 ext. 378
www.frontiercollege.ca
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