LCVI executive director Gerald Halabura said increased funding will strengthen existing programs and potentially lead to new ones. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Literacy Central VI

Literacy Central Vancouver Island lands funding boost to meet growing demand

Aug 6, 2025 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — A B.C. government funding jolt has been committed to an essential frontline Nanaimo-based literacy program.

About $15,000 in additional funding from the B.C. government has been committed to boost three Literacy Central Vancouver Island (LCVI) programs as part of a two-year funding cycle.

Executive director Gerald Halabura was thrilled to hear their adult, family and Indigenous literacy programs received added funding for the next two years, starting in September.

Featuring one-on-one, group and drop-in aid, Halabura said their non-profit agency served 450 individual and 600 group session literacy clients between September 2024 and July.

While most tutoring occurs in the agency’s popular Well Read Bookstore at its 19 Commercial St. location, alternate arrangements elsewhere in the community can also be made, Halabura said.

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“That makes it less intimidating, they’re (clients) not going to some large institution. There’s a role for those kinds of programs too, but I think having this kind of really flexible, one-on-one support in the community makes it a lot easier for people to make that step and start working toward their goals.”

Tutoring is provided by around 150 volunteers, some of which also oversee Well Read Bookstore, a key LCVI revenue generator.

Halabura said they’re noticing a strong shift toward many people requiring help with technology, such as using computers and tablets to execute a range of tasks, including accessing vital services.

“Digital literacy is the one that we’ve been seeing a lot of demand from community groups like housing complexes. It’s really a big issue.”

Halabura said while some people may believe LCVI is designed solely for people unable or struggling to read and write, he pointed out they provide numerous programs for those with post-secondary experience as well.

He pointed to LCVI trades literacy programming, which provided tailored supports for a man struggling with exam writing.

“He knew how to do the trade job, but it was the test that was the barrier.”

All LCVI programs are offered free of charge.

Interested program recipients can phone LCVI at: 1-250-754-8988, while additional information is available here on the organization’s website.

According to the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, the Community Adult Literacy Program is expanding to support programming in 204 communities, up from 132 in 2024/25.

Literacy Central Vancouver Island serves greater Nanaimo, including Ladysmith, Gabriola Island, Parksville and surrounding areas. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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