Kevin Mardell

I was born in South Africa in 1983 and immigrated to Canada with my family in 1988. In Grade Seven I was diagnosed with autism and dyslexia, and received special assistance. Though I struggled in school, I did graduate, and then started a job. But I lost my job after three years when my employer closed down, and was having trouble getting work.

That's when I decided to attend Project Literacy Kelowna. Working one-on-one with a tutor really helped. Before I joined, my spelling was so bad I could not read my own writing. Now that has changed dramatically. I never thought I would improve so much. I have a new sense of self-confidence and my reading level has increased 3 levels. I have a new interest in our language and I can meet my potential now.

It's been surprising. I hope to continue to improve my writing skills. I have achieved one of my goals by gaining part-time employment with a publisher.