Brooke MacCallum Communications Coordinator , ARTA

Bev Mallett , an active OKARTA member , was first to introduce her fellow retirees to the Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society . In 2006 , after moving to Kelowna for retirement , Bev attended a volunteer fair seeking ways to stay involved in the community . With a background teaching English and in counselling , Bev was immediately drawn to Project Literacy and its mission .

Founded in 1986 , the Project Literacy Central Okanagan Society provides literacy support for learners of all ages and backgrounds : children , adults , seniors , refugees , and immigrant families . Since the non-profit society began , they have helped thousands of people in the Central Okanagan improve their quality of life through one-on-one tutoring services . From English and math , to digital

tutoring and financial literacy , there is support for learners of all ages .

“ I ’ ve met people from all around the world , so you become very aware of what they are facing in other countries ,” says Bev of the English as a second language ( ESL ) learners she has tutored . “ You see how proud they are to start a life in Canada .”

Entirely funded by grants , fundraisers , and donations , Project Literacy ’ s tutoring sessions are led by volunteers and offered free of charge . This ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn necessary life skills , no matter their backgrounds or financial situations . For the past five years , Project Literacy has created quite the buzz in the Okanagan with their biggest fundraiser : an adult spelling bee .

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