Mal-U student wins provincial Literacy BC award

Rav Bal, a student in Malaspina University-College’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, recently won the prestigious 2007 Provincial Learner Achievement Award for BC.

The award, sponsored by The Co-operators, a national insurance company, recognizes the outstanding achievements of an adult learner in BC.

Bal started at the Foundation level in both math and English at Malaspina in the fall of 2006. In less than a year, he progressed through several levels of each subject, andrecently completed English 12 and Math 11. Now heplans to tackle additional courses in physics and math as he prepares for further education in his chosen career as a powerline technician.

Bal received the $200 award and national recognition from Peter Mansbridge, Chief Correspondent for CBC Radio News, at the 2007 Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournament in Vancouver on July 10.

Lorna Zaback, math instructor and tutor in Malaspina's ABE program said, "I've told Rav that he's one of the most inspiring students I have tutored. He works very hard, always enthusiastically completes his assignments, and approaches math with a light-hearted, charming sense of humor. Rav quietly encourages and supports fellow students to achieve their best and widen their horizons."

Bal graduated from high school in Terrace in 1999, and moved to Nanaimo a year ago to upgrade his education at Malaspina. "At first, I was very nervous and hesitant," he said. "At 27, I thought I'd be too old to go back to school. I felt a lot of anxiety because I never liked school when I was younger. I’m more focused now because I have a goal."

Bal was nominated for the Literacy BC award by instructors in Malaspina’s ABE department. He was selected from more than 50 applicants from throughout the province.

"I’ve learned that if there’s a career you want, or a certain lifestyle, go for it," he said. "It takes courage, dedication and commitment to go back to school and pursue your dreams, but if you achieve your goal, it will be worth all the hard work."

Bal has high praise for his ABE instructors. "Everyone tried their best to help me succeed," he said. "I liked Malaspina’s learning centre, math tutorials, and all the extra help after hours from instructors. Everyone’s door was always open."

Malaspina's ABE program offers a wide range of classes in English and math, computers, and science for students who want to upgrade their high school education or complete prerequisites for diploma, degree or trades programs. ABE courses are $50 (not including books and supplies). Grants and bursaries are available to students who qualify. The Fall semester begins September 10, and registrations are now being accepted. For information, call (250) 248-2096 in Parksville or (250) 740-6425 in Nanaimo.