Reading pays off

I-CARE tutor Cathy Sonnenberg says it took some nagging to get Daniel Vaillancourt writing. He is now working on the sequel to Marvin’s Millions.

When Daniel Vaillancourt first came to I-CARE, an adult literacy program hosted by Douglas College, he says, "The only thing I could write was my name." Today, he is working on a sequel to his first novella, Marvin’s Millions.

"Five years ago, I never would have seen myself where I am today," says Vaillancourt.

Born in Quebec, he didn’t learn to read or write in his native tongue when he was growing up. He moved to BC 25 years ago and had the added challenge of learning a new language. Eventually, with the encouragement of a friend, he decided enough was enough.

"I decided I have nothing to lose and everything to win," says Vaillancourt.

Vaillancourt found it tough to adjust to going to literacy classes. But when he started working one-on-one with I-CARE tutor Cathy Sonnenberg, he was encouraged to keep learning. Vaillancourt started reading books while listening to them on tape – his first was a book about American pioneer Daniel Boone. He discovered that reading on the SkyTrain made commutes around the city go by faster. Vaillancourt progressed to reading more difficult material and started writing as Sonnenberg dictated to him.

Last year, Vaillancourt brought a book written by a friend to a tutoring session with Sonnenberg. She issued a challenge: "Why not you?"

"I had been nagging at him to write from the beginning. I told him that writing would make reading easier," says Sonnenberg.

"Things make sense more quickly now," Vaillancourt admits.

With Sonnenberg as his editor, the story that began with "Marvin broke his leg" became a serial, with a chapter published in each issue of Breakthrough, a newsletter distributed to I-CARE learners and tutors, along with students enrolled in Developmental Studies courses at Douglas. Vaillancourt was pleased to hear that people, intrigued by the story of unlucky Marvin, were anxiously awaiting the next chapter.

 Marvin’s Millions is now being published by Douglas College as a fundraiser for I-CARE in celebration of International Literacy Day on September 8. It will also be used as a text for its students.

"It feels good. I’m proud of myself. If learning to read by writing worked for me, it could work for someone else. You just need to put in the effort," says Vaillancourt.

For more information on I-CARE programs or to become a volunteer tutor, contact Coordinator Nancy Walker at 604-527-5409 or walker@douglascollege.ca.

Links:

I-CARE
National Adult Literacy Database
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