The grads of Regional Connections' Literacy Program celebrated major milestones this week.

"I have learned more than I ever thought possible," graduate Lena Martens says.

She hopes to achieve her grade 12 certificate, but first required certain English benchmarks. The journey led her to Regional Connections' Literacy Program.

"For me this is a big day," Martens says. "When I first came here two years ago I was nervous, I felt I didn't know anything compared to the others. Now when I look back I can hardly believe how far I've come."

The students also collected a number of their writings into a book this year

Classes are held across the Pembina Valley region in Altona, Morden, Plum Coulee, and Winkler.

English as a Second Language (ESL) classes use the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) curricula.

"I want to say a big thank-you to Regional Connections for giving us the opportunity to go to class," grad Lydia Bergen says. "I couldn't have done it without my awesome teacher and my amazing classmates. They always said "keep going, keep going" and I did it. I'm so thankful for that."

Fellow grad Lydia Penner says the Literacy Program helped her achieve a life-long goal: speak and understand English.

"I'm thankful for the chance to learn... I love them (the teachers) and I love to go to school," she says. "School is just an important thing for me."

Priscilla Bergen receives her certificate