In 2000 & 2001, through National Literacy Secretariat funding, the Northern Connections Adult Learning Centres (formerly known as North Frontenac Literacy Program) piloted a new and very successful approach to Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) training called "Trails to Literacy". The intent of this project was to develop a literacy marketing strategy together with participatory, hands-on, outcome-based learning.

Trails to Literacy grew from several concepts:

• Create closer links between literacy upgrading and the community. The project needed to involve not only the learners, but also the people, businesses or organizations from the project communities.
  
• Market the idea of literacy to the general public. Low literacy always carries a stigma, but as the benchmark of literacy has been increased by technology and by the availability of education, the gaps have become less acceptable.
  
• Deliver learning, relevant to the community and the workplace, in a school-based environment. By providing a context, through the real-life trail-based activities, understanding and meaning would be given to the learning.
  
• Put control into the hands of the participants, to draw them into the learning process, develop their own management skills and their ability to acquire knowledge. (participatory/collaborative learning theories)
  
• Provide opportunities for learners to attain skills for better employment. With the addition of new work skills and self-confidence, individuals have a broader scope in job applications.

Trails is a client/community driven program. It partners community interest groups, volunteers and program staff with learners, doing activities that are based upon individual interest streams and goals. They include: clerical, administrative, environmental, public relations/marketing, fundraising, bookkeeping, historical, carpentry, computers, outdoor maintenance, etc.

The participants involved in the planning, research, writing, production and construction not only gain new literacy and basic skills but, perhaps even more significantly, they develop self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning. In our pilot project this contributed to a 43% employment rate at exit.

Trails to Literacy is transferable almost anywhere. It is a pathway to skills attainment, a way to market literacy while still doing what we do best facilitate learning. A trail can be: a cultural or multi-cultural study; a historic walk; a waterfront beautification project; a path of native healing; the creation of community gardens; the ecological rehabilitation of a body of water or significant land area; a path of sound, touch and scent for the blind; starting a clothing depot; or interpreting an outdoor conservation area. The possibilities are endless. It is participatory learning linked to individual communities.

Trails to Literacy expanded 'Around the Province' of Ontario with the help of further National Literacy Secretariat, Ministry of Training Colleges & Universities and Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants.

Join a Trail Today!

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