Valemount Learning Society offering financial literacy workshops

By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG

The Valemount Learning Society, a local non-profit which offers courses on everything from occupational first aid to English as a second language, is now offering financial literacy workshops.

The workshops will walk participants through Money Matters, an introductory financial literacy program administered by ABC Life Literacy Canada, a charity that promotes adult literacy by developing and providing educational materials throughout the country. According to Regena Bergen, the Learning Society’s Literacy Coordinator, this is the first time the program has been offered over her three-year tenure at the learning centre.

The centre has had two workshops on the program so far: the first one went over how to create a spending plan, and the second one focused on the basics of banking. Bergen has seen good reception from locals, she said, and she hopes more will join the program.

“There are a lot of people that have trouble saving money, trouble spending too much money, and don’t necessarily understand borrowing,” Bergen added. “The Money Matters program will help them feel more confident about their finances.”

The program is being funded through the Community Adult Literacy Program, a grant administered by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Bergen said.

Locals can register for the program by calling the Learning Society at (250) 566-4601, Bergen said. They can also find more information on the program at abcmoneymatters.ca.

Bergen has previously worked in banking, and looks forward to applying those skills to benefit Valemount residents, she said.

“I’m excited to revisit financial matters and put my own spin on it,” Bergen said. “It’s never too late to learn more about looking after your finances.”