CALGARY – Bow Valley College, a national leader in English as a Second Language (ESL) programming, has created a free web-based resource to better equip ESL literacy practitioners in Alberta.

With funding from the Government of Alberta, the Centre for Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement at Bow Valley College launched the ESL Literacy Network website, which serves as a repository for ESL literacy instructional materials.

"This new resource shares innovative resources and best practices for ESL literacy programs says Isabel Gibbins, Dean of ESL and Languages at Bow Valley College. "There's an added benefit for educators in smaller communities as it gives them more tools and resources to better meet the needs of learners."

As the largest provider of ESL programming in Calgary, Bow Valley College is uniquely positioned to lead the creation of the ESL Literacy Network.

Gibbins demonstrated the new resource at an event at the College's downtown Calgary campus on March 31, which featured compelling video testimonials from learners who have benefited from the College's expertise in ESL literacy education.

"This is one of the largest initiatives of its kind in Canada," said Thomas Lukaszuk, Minister of Alberta Employment and Immigration. "Bow Valley College is one of the institutions that are leading the way for ESL programming and helping more newcomers settle into their new lives in Canada."

"The Government of Alberta is proud to partner with Bow Valley College to support newcomers as they build new lives in Alberta."

Bow Valley College's ESL and Languages faculty and staff contributed to the creation of the ESL Literacy Network in coordination with an advisory board that included representation from the Government of Alberta, other ESL literacy educating institutions, and immigrant serving agencies.

Building on and recognizing its expertise as a leader in ESL and ESL literacy education, the College recently created a centre of excellence in Immigrant and Intercultural Advancement.

Visit http://www.esl-literacy.com/ to view the ESL Literacy Network website.

Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's One and Only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 11,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in health and business career training, adult upgrading, and English as a Second Language. BVC's Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals, and employment services provide a wide range of services for businesses and professionals. Established in 1965, Bow Valley College is in the midst of a multi-million dollar expansion, creating state-of-the-art facilities and doubling its student capacity by the year 2013.