Capilano University’s Squamish Community Learning Program (SCLP) is on the hunt once again for volunteers to help expand its literacy initiatives that aim to help marginalized learners in Sea to Sky Corridor.
Operating primarily out of Squamish Public Library, the program has been a “lifeline” for adults —like newcomers learning English or those looking to build basic skills they missed out on earlier in life, according to Hasrat Gill, the instructor, program manager, and developer with the department.
A program built on volunteers
Volunteers are central to SCLP’s operations.
“We are always looking for community volunteers,” Gill said.
“As faculty, we see ourselves as co-ordinators and facilitators, but volunteers are truly the building blocks of this program.”
According to Gill, opportunities for volunteers include assisting with one-on-one tutoring, contributing to family learning programs, or even brainstorming and implementing new initiatives.
“We are here to support them in bringing their ideas to life,” Gill said.
Bringing learning to the community
The program operates on two fronts––traditional, campus-based education and community-driven initiatives.
“About half of our time is spent on campus-based programs, which are academic-focused. The other half is in the community, managing programs and projects while developing new initiatives,” Gill said.
She said, for learners, this means access to literacy education that ranges from beginner English classes to advanced cultural literacy programs.
“We’ve developed a very low-level English learning program for learners who may have no prior knowledge of English,” Gill said, adding that initiatives like one-on-one tutoring and an ESL Book Club help address individual challenges.
Beyond skill-building, the program emphasizes community participation.
“Learners might host a session, and we facilitate and support them in doing so,” Gill told The Squamish Chief.
Funding and financial realities
While the SCLP is part of Capilano University, it functions with an independent funding model––gaining funding from Decoda Literacy Solutions, a provincial literacy organization that supports community-based efforts across the province.
They receive funding from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, which then flows to the Squamish Community Learning Program.
“The funding doesn’t come from Capilano University directly,” Gill said.
“Faculty members write proposals, and our funding comes from provincial and federal government sources.”
This structure, Gill noted, gives the program the flexibility to focus on community-specific needs but limits its ability to address certain challenges, like offering compensation for volunteers.
Capilano University reported an annual surplus of approximately $11.91 million for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
Challenges and opportunities
After 17 years in Squamish, the SCLP remains a vital part of the local educational landscape, but misconceptions about its purpose persist.
“Some people aren’t aware these programs have existed for years or don’t understand how a university is involved in community programs like these,” Gill said.
She emphasized that the programs are free and designed to be as accessible as possible, creating safe and inclusive spaces for learning.
If interested in learning more or signing up to volunteer, please contact Hasrat Grewal Gill at HasratGrewalGill@CapilanoU.ca or call 604-567-2222.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
