Carving out a new language

Frontier College
News Release

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On October 29th, starting at 6pm, the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre and Frontier College host their first annual Conversation Circle at the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre for newcomers to North Bay. This year's activity, in which participants develop their English language skills, is pumpkin carving for Halloween.

"The Conversation Circle and pumpkin carving is a great way for participants to learn with others while having fun with a time-honoured Halloween tradition," says Don Curry, Executive Director of the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre.

"We're absolutely delighted to partner with the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre to provide literacy services for newcomers to North Bay," says Sherry Campbell, President of Frontier College, Canada's original literacy organization. "Literacy skills are essential to succeeding in today's society and help people participate in their communities."

What: North Bay & District Multicultural Centre and Frontier College's Conversation Circle and Pumpkin Carving
When: Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 6pm onward
Where: North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, 374 Fraser Street, North Bay
Interview and Photo-ops: Participants and staff with the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre and Frontier College

Literacy is an essential skill in today's world. At Frontier College, we believe it's a fundamental right. Low literacy skills are directly linked to poverty, poor health and high unemployment. Over forty percent of adult Canadians have trouble with everyday tasks that involve reading. That's millions of Canadians who are not reaching their potential. Through a network of thousands of volunteers, Frontier College is helping people to realize their potential and seize the opportunities that come their way.

The North Bay & District Multicultural Centre provides immigrant support services to residents from Mattawa to West Nipissing and Temagami to Parry Sound. Our office provides information and referral services for all aspects of immigrant support and provides a computer, photocopier, telephone and fax service for immigrants wanting to do their own research. We provide interpretation by volunteers and translation on a fee for service basis.

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