Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning (KPAL), a community-based adult literacy program, is calling for teen volunteers to join its latest initiative. The program, which is financially backed by the Government of B.C. and collaborates with Literacy in Kamloops, delivers free tutoring and support for adult literacy, encompassing reading, writing, math and digital skills.
What is Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning?
KPAL was founded in 2015 by Literacy in Kamloops, hoping to help those with low literacy improve their daily lives. Located inside North Kamloops Library, this organization extends services and programs to those who aspire to enhance their literacy competencies.
To boost adult literacy rates, KPAL cooperates with various community organizations and interacts with locals, identifying areas where adult literacy needs improvement. The goal is to design and implement programs that address these literacy gaps in Kamloops, fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity for educational growth. KPAL also extends assistance to refugees and immigrants to boost their English language skills.
Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning’s new Intergenerational Digital Literacy Program
Their latest initiative, the Intergenerational Senior Literacy program, serves a dual purpose: to bridge the generational digital divide and foster intergenerational learning. This program is designed to bring together teens and seniors, creating an environment of mutual learning, engagement and empowerment.
The program comes at a time when digital literacy is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It is particularly significant in the lives of seniors, many of whom struggle with tech-savvy gadgets, but who stay in touch with friends and family via Facetime, share pictures, use social media and send and receive text messages and emails more than ever.
In 2022, Statistics Canada found 89 per cent of seniors in British Columbia (65 and older) used the internet.
“I think it’s important to emphasize that the goal of our program is independence,” Nakita Gideon-Syme, program coordinator at KPAL tells The Wren. “Learners come to us with specific goals they may have and we walk them through the steps of how to achieve those goals. We don’t do it for them, we teach them to do it so that when we aren’t there to help with their devices, they have the skills to do it on their own.”
As part of this program, teen volunteers undergo tutor training and orientation. After training, they volunteer at workshops, assisting seniors with their digital devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Aubrey Spahmann, a volunteer tutor, tells The Wren she found the program appealing because “she wanted to help seniors.” As she was “born into an era of digital literacy, seniors were not.”
Racheal Schmidt says the program benefits seniors by “helping them become more digitally independent and feel better about, and more confident in their digital skills.
In addition to helping seniors feel better connected, the organization believes this program will provide a valuable platform for teens to develop their communication and teaching skills.
It’s a call to action for all teens in Kamloops to bring about positive change and bridge the digital divide, one senior at a time.
“We are looking for teens that have a basic understanding of technology,” Gideon-Syme says. “They don’t need any advanced knowledge, but the basics of knowing how to use a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Furthermore, the most important quality tutors require is patience. We strive to ensure our program is welcoming, accessible and understanding.”
Current Programs
One-to-One Tutoring: Free one-to-one tutoring is available for adults. Help with reading, writing, math, or digital skills is available.
Digital Literacy Workshops: Free digital literacy workshops for seniors. You can get help with using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Adult Literacy Books & Materials: Provide free materials and resources for adult literacy learners in their programs.
Drop-in Tutoring: Visit the KPAL office to meet with a coordinator. Office hours are available on Their website or by phone.
Adult Literacy Support: Offers support to adult literacy learners. They also provide information and referrals.
Literacy Advocacy & Community Engagement: Advocating for adult literacy and work to decrease barriers for adult literacy learners in Kamloops.
For more information on how to get involved, teens are encouraged to visit the Kamloops Partner Assisted Learning website or contact or visit their local office at 693 Tranquille Rd.
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