Awards & Recognition

Rigby-Wilcox Adult Learner Award Criteria

Every second year, READ Saskatoon recognizes one adult learner who has shown extraordinary commitment to the learning process and their tutor.

If you think your learner deserves special recognition, please write or e-mail us a letter highlighting the following facts:

• How your learner has challenged your preconceptions about learning
• An example of how your collaboration has benefited your learner and yourself
• How your learner has achieved his or her goals
• How your learner has exceeded your or their expectations

READ Saskatoon is committed to ensure that learner anonymity and confidentiality is maintained. We ask that you keep your nomination private. Only the selected candidate will be contacted.

Winners:  2006| 2005 | 2004

Rigby-Wilcox Adult Learner Award - 2006

Tony Gauthier has been working on getting his education for some time now. He is one of the most focused and motivated individuals I know. He never misses a meeting and always comes prepared to work. If he doesn’t understand something he works at it until he gets it. (He thinks math is like playing bingo!)

Tony works many hours outside of school on is studies. He has a genuine enthusiasm about reading ever since he discovered To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. He reminds me of a kid who finally, after repeated efforts, rides the bike without the training wheels. It is the same grin!

I have been a volunteer for READ Saskatoon for about one year, so I am not Tony’s first tutor. I know that READ Saskatoon put a good deal of time and effort into the process of matching learners and tutors. I work as a teacher assistant at a high school and after a recent conference one thing that stuck with me was a statement by a presenter – Dream Big and then Stand Back. Tony reminds me of this every week. Nothing will stop him from reaching his goal.

I would like to thank you for giving the opportunity to work with Tony. Please consider him as a learner who deserves special recognition.

Lynne Block

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Rigby-Wilcox Adult Learner Award - 2005

My name is Kristy and my learner's name is Elham.

Elham has accomplished so much it is hard to believe that is has only been a year since I first met her!!! Elham is from Iran, and when I met her she had not year passed the TOEFL exam. Now, she has not only passed the TOEFL exam, but has also passed the written exam for her learners permit and has been accepted to a masters program at the U of S! She is now studying towards her masters degree in reproductive science at the U of S.

Working together over the past year has been a real learning experience for both of us. I learnt that I am not always going to have the answer to all of her questions and that it is a learning experience for us to look for the answers together.

I also learnt so much from Elham. I’ve learn about her home country and culture and about her very interesting topics in reproductive sciences! I believe Elham deserves this special recognition for all of her hard work and accomplishments.

Thank you,
Kristy

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Rigby-Wilcox Adult Learner Award - 2004

Dear Nominating Committee,

I would like to nominate Pari for READ’s special award.

How does one convey, on paper, courage, tenacity, insight, dedication, determination and great good humour? These things are embodied in Pari. These qualities of character are a privilege to witness, as we work together weekly. We have helped each other stretch and grow. There are no “off limits” areas of discussion or exploration. There is openness and honesty in our communication. Although her hospitality and courtesy are impeccable, she has the courage to analyze, question and critique all areas of life and experience. We have built a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect.

My preconception about learner was very narrow! Pari has helped me to expand it! When I took READ training and became a tutor, I expected the experience to be entirely about literacy in English. When I met Pari, it became clear, at once, that as a landed immigrant, learning is intense and continuous: every waking moment. The newcomer is learning cultural norms: the ways in which educational and government agencies operate, about rental agreements, and the registration of children for school. The list is endless, confusing and exhausting! Even purchasing food in a supermarket is a challenge. Nothing is familiar. The amount of energy this takes can only be imagined! Even though Pari is bombarded frequently with new challenges and learning opportunities in all aspects of daily living, she is able to bring focus and dedication to our literacy sessions. She comes promptly, fully prepared and with eager anticipation to our learning times together.

Our collaboration has been a benefit to both of us. I have come to understand something of the immigration process, the challenges facing new “would be” Canadians, the ways in which ordinary citizens can make transition times more welcoming and comfortable for immigrants. The history and culture of Iran have come alive for me in the stories, pictures and crafts that have been shared wit me by Pari.

Our collaboration has helped Pari meet her learning goals. In addition to our weekly reading, writing, speaking session at the library, we added another component. Pari was a much sought after speaker in her area of expertise in Iran. She truly enjoyed this aspect of her work and wants to make it part of her vocation here. I was able to help her establish a series of speaking engagements with various sized groups, in safe non-threatening venues where she could hone her skills in English presentation. She has an engaging style, is well prepared, articulate and respectful when answering questions and tolerates interruptions with grace. Her audiences and her tutor have been very impressed!

Pari has and is achieving her goals by use of all the aforementioned qualities she brings to the learning experience. She is self-confident, self-analytical, self-critical. She is in charge of her own process and knows where she needs help. She has embraced opportunities for learning through other programs (LINC at Kelsey) and through volunteer positions. She brings wisdom and insight to her volunteer tasks realizing at the same time, that she benefits from (in her own words) “immersion into Canadian society”.

Pari has high expectations of herself and works diligently in our time apart to incorporate new learnings into her spoken and written work. She dislikes making the same mistake twice! She brings humour to tense situations. One day as she struggled with a particularly difficult passage, she became very frustrated. Finally, she sat back in her chair, shook her head, grinned at me and said, “Pari, lighten up”. We shared a good laugh as one of her learning goals is “to learn idiom”!

Pari has vastly exceeded my expectations. The rate at which she grasps new concepts is startling. She can succinctly summarize what we have been discussing, identifies her areas of weakness, takes responsibility for her process and is committed to rapid progress. Her ultimate goal is to pass the TOFEL test. She is registered to take it May 21, 2004. Pari’s motivation and commitment are inspiring.

It is with great joy that I put this remarkable woman’s name forward for consideration of your special award.

Yours truly,
Dayle

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