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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Literacy holds potential to change inmates' lives

By: Erin Madden

Posted: 07/11/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Rhys Williams and Christie Fischer say they’re learning from their remand centre clients. (BORIS MINKEVICH/ WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Christie Fischer is a strong believer in the power of literacy. Not only does it enhance lives, it can change them. That's why she became a volunteer with the John Howard Society's literacy program.

Volunteers in the program provide one-on-one tutoring to inmates at the Winnipeg Remand Centre. It aims not only to improve inmates' reading, writing and grammar skills, but also help educate them on topics of interest including parenting, victim awareness and substance use.

Volunteers also assist those studying for their General Education Diplomas by providing help in subjects such as math, sciences and social studies.

"I'm a really big believer in literacy as something that can empower people," explained Fischer, a 36-year-old lifelong Winnipegger. "Even in my own life, the more I read, the more I learn. With the John Howard Society, because these guys are in the remand centre, I think if this is something that can be an outlet or a way to change something in their lives or give them direction when they get out, all the better."

Fellow volunteer Rhys Williams, 25, agrees. After having worked with the homeless and the disabled, Williams was eager to work with the inmates at the remand centre. He said it's been a very fulfilling experience.

"The reasons they're in there or the reasons for prisons to begin with are more about social problems than character problems, so I've been extremely comfortable the entire time. I love the people I work with, so it's easy," Williams explained.

Williams started volunteering with the program last fall and has already been amazed at the differences he's seen in the client he works with each week.

"What I've seen is incredible -- huge differences in reading and writing even in a couple of months," said Williams, a crisis worker with the Main Street Project who will graduate from the University of Winnipeg in September. "He has started to say things like, 'When I'm released I'll be able to read story books to my daughter.' For me that's the real reason I'm there."

If you would like more information about the John Howard Society, its literacy program, or about becoming a volunteer, please call Jacquie Nicholson at 204-775-1514, or email a cover letter and resume to jnicholson@johnhoward.mb.ca. Volunteers are asked to commit at least one hour of their time each week to the program for a minimum of six months.

If you know a special volunteer who strives to make his or her community a better place to live, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden@shaw.ca.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 11, 2011 B2

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