• Concern was raised that additional or pilot project funds are more available for new initiatives, which poses challenges to existing programs that are successful and desire continuity.
• Current funding restrictions that focused on at-risk or specific groups to the exclusion of others was seen as a challenge, the solution was to have universal programs.
• Fundraising arose in the table discussions as both a challenge and a solution to the need for more resources. Raising funds takes time away from program delivery.

4.5.3  Coordination and Partnerships

• Coordinating policies, programs and services was seen as a key solution to enabling inclusive, accessible programs and to having individuals developing and enhancing their literacy skills.
• Coordination prevents gaps and overlapping of services, and requires strong policy support as well as a clarification of roles and responsibilities.
• Awareness of services offered is crucial to cross-ministry work and effective program referrals.
• Communities need a single point of access that would be responsible for collecting and sharing all information on available learning opportunities.
• Community involvement and partnerships are crucial to creating inclusive and accessible services. Partnerships create common understandings and goals, more opportunities for dialogue between different groups, allow for sharing of innovative practices within regions, and reduce silos.

4.5.4  Qualified Instructors and Volunteers

It was noted that ensuring that educators are prepared to teach literacy skills pre-Kindergarten, at all grade levels, and for adults is crucial. Though teachers are well prepared in most areas, literacy and ESL components should be added to education degrees along with a paradigm shift that acknowledges that all teachers are literacy teachers regardless of their specialty.