UPEI researchers are partnering with the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada on an innovative program called Connecting Families through Community to increase the literacy levels of new Canadians. They are working closely with immigrant families in Charlottetown to develop and introduce a flexible literacy program that is transferable to other newcomer families in PEI and across the country. Their findings will strengthen the capacity of service providers to support immigrants by providing information, training, and resources on family literacy.



The faculty co-ordinator is Dr. Barbara Campbell, Director of the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning.The lead researcher is Dr. Vianne Timmons, former V.P. Academic Development at UPEI, and now President of the University of Regina. Timmons’ UPEI-based research team will work in tandem with her researchers in Regina.

The Robertson Library opened a new language lab on September 14, 2009, with funding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Thirty Mac computers with a comprehensive computer training program and auditory equipment assist students with learning English as a second language.

The Library is hoping to assist and partner with local groups, including the PEI Newcomers to Canada Association, to extend outreach to the Island community.