Mary Kiviste

I am so fortunate to be working at Okanagan College, in this field of Adult Literacy. I am a Volunteer Tutor Coordinator at two centres: Oliver and Penticton. I recruit and screen volunteer tutors, conduct tutor training, match students with tutors and monitor progress. When new students call, I arrange to meet with them to answer their questions and understand what their goals are.

Sometimes I write with groups outside of the college, using a process called Writing Out Loud. People have wonderful stories to tell. Most people, when given a little encouragement discover they are much better writers than they thought they were. I’ve worked closely with writers from the Boys and Girls Clubs and parents within School District # 53 and # 67.

In my work, I've met many people who have limited formal education but they are educated in other ways. My hope is to support adult learners along with government, communities, friends and family and help them build on what they already know.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Waterloo and teaching certification from the University of Victoria.