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Douglas College

Literacy fundraiser features speaker Lesra Martin

“What is illiteracy ifit’s not a type of prison? To me, illiteracy is no different than drugs or prison. In some respects, it’s even worse than being locked away in jail, because you're locked away in your own mind.”

These powerful words belong to Lesra Martin, a lawyer and impassioned advocate for literacy. If you've seen the movie The Hurricane, you're familiar with Martin's life story: at 15, an illiterate Martin was told by his teacher to “learn a trade, be a garbage man, do something with your hands” when he professed his dream of becoming a lawyer.

Through sheer luck, he ended up in Canada, where hard work and dedication helped his dream come true. Inspired by Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter’s book The Sixteenth Round, Lesra started a correspondence with Carter that resulted years later in the release

of the wrongly incarcerated boxer.

Now, the Douglas College Foundation brings the internationally renowned Martin to the College’s Performing Arts Theatre in support of literacy with An Evening with Lesra Martin. The Hurricane serves as a background for Martin’s very powerful presentation on

his personal journey of learning.

Tickets are $25 and include dessert, coffee and a chance to meet Lesra Martin personally. All proceeds from the event go towards establishing an endowment fund to support students in financial need in the College’s literacy program, I CARE. The event takes

place February 27 at 7:30pm in the Performing Arts Theatre. For tickets, please call 527- 2872.

Go green with this volunteer

opportunity

If you're interested in helping out the

model UN

As part of Douglas College's International Model United Nations (DOUGIMUN), local and

environment, learning about habitat i 8 visiting student delegates

restoration and native plants or just enjoy a : : d P J Joy will examine and debate

day outside, this volunteer opportunity is for y outside, BEET Oppo Rani: the current challenges

you. The Douglas College Institute of Urban facirig- world leaders,

Ecology, with support from Fisheries

Renewal BC, is starting another planting A somal P50 students

from local high-schools,

season. Volunteers will be planting native

shrubs and some evergreen trees and should Be Ns colleges and universities as

wear weather-appropriate clothing that can : PEE 8 well as representatives from

get dirty. Plantings last no longer than three the states of Washington, hours. Oregon and Virginia will attend the third annual DOUGIMUN, February 15 to 18 at the New

Westminster Campus.

The first planting day is February 10 on Upper Scott Creek in Coquitlam. Meet at the Hoy Creek Hatchery at the end of Princess

Avenue in Coquitlam at 9am. This planting

is a coordinated effort between the Institute of Urban Ecology and the Scortt/Hoy Creek Streamkeepers. For more information on this

Student delegates represent countries other than their own and sit on model United Nations committees, such as The

planting as well as upcoming planting dates in February and March, please contact Jamie Vala of the Institute of Urban Ecology at

Security Council, The 227-5522:

Human Rights Council and the UN

Environmental Program.

Coming Events

Lesra Martin, lawyer and literacy advocate, speaks at Douglas College's Performing Arts Theatre this month to raise fund for | CARE,

the College's literacy program.

Students tackle world issues at

“They will discuss issues such as the status of Jerusalem and Palestine, the rights of the war child, the clean water shortage and the AIDS epidemic in Africa,” says Marlene Hancock, Douglas College Political Science instructor and

coordinator of DOUGIMUN.

Key note speaker Patricia Lortie, a Director General at the UN representing Canada, La Francophone and the Commonwealth countries, will discuss the UN Security Council as part of opening ceremonies. Students will also participate in a live video conference with UN headquarters in New York, speaking with Feda Abdul Nasir, First Secretary of the Palestinian Mission. Martin Collacott, former Canadian ambassador to Syria, will speak on Jerusalem and other Middle East issues.

“We got inspired to start our own United Nations model after participating in one in Egypt in 1997,” explains Hancock. “It’s an adding-on process. Every year we welcome more delegates and enjoy the support of more community members and groups.”

The largest International Model United Nations in Western Canada, DOUGIMUN is open to college, university and Grade 11 and 12 students interested in world affairs. Registration costs $40 and application forms must be submitted by February 2nd, 2001. For registration and information please call Marlene Hancock at 527-5208.

Step ahead with Leon Bibb

Join gifted entertainer Leon Bibb, his band and students from the College’s Theatre and Music departments and other programs to help celebrate our diversity and take a stand against racism. Step Ahead: A History & Reflections on Diversity & Racism, created by Bibb, is offered on February 14, 2-4pm in the Performing Arts Theatre, New Westminster Campus.

Tickets are free but

space is limited. Contact Wendy Waidson at 527-5503 for information. This

event is sponsored by Douglas Development and the Diversity Events Planning Committee.