Bart Chretien (Chret-c'-en is the French prounciation) is on a mission. He wants to share his message with other adult learners that they can overcome their problems with illiteracy and lead successful, fulfilled lives just as he has. He also wants to educate the general population about accepting people as they are even if they cannot read or write and giving them a chance. Bart wants everyone to know that the most important part is what is inside of someone, not the literacy level they have achieved.
Bart is from Vancouver, Canada, where he has started his own company Bart Chretien Enterprises. He has written a book, The Illiterate Within Me, in which he tells his own personal story of struggle with illiteracy and ultimate success.
This is a story about the successes and failures in the life of a person who struggled with the invisible chains of illiteracy for 25 years. One may ask, "How can a person, who is born in a progressive, industrialized country, not know how to read and write?" Millions of illiterate people punish themselves with this question, searching for an answer, yet not knowing where to begin. A force greater than the inability to read and write may block a person from discovering why he or she is in a cycle of emotional instability, and personal successes and failures. Illiteracy is only a part of what held Bart on the rollercoaster ride of emotional and personal ups and downs. In this book, Bart also examines the heart-wrenching emotional experiences that led him to travel a path that was fraught with both happiness and heartache. Bart Chretien's journey of discovery begins with the death of a loved one, and ends with the knowledge that can be gained only through a painfully honest examination of the self. You are invited to join Bart Chretien in his quest to examine and understand how and why he was bound by the ties of both illiteracy and dark memories from his past, and what eventually prompted him to break free of those bonds. For experienced readers and beginning adult readers alike, "The Illiterate Within Me" may also become a stepping stone to embark upon your own journey of self-discovery and healing. The book is available for $10.00 plus 2.00 shipping and handling.
Bart specializes in motivational workshops, Reiki Healing (he has a masters in this), and counseling for anyone but is especially drawn to those who have dealt with painful personal experiences such as illiteracy. Part of the proceeds from the sales of his book goes to local literacy programs in Canada.
As part of his mission, Bart has been traveling throughout California and Canada to spread the word, but in the spring of this year will be visiting other parts of the U.S. including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Spokane. He will be promoting his book, speaking to other adult learners, guest speaking on television and radio talk shows and generally trying to get his important message told.
If you would like to order Bart's book or invite him to speak, he can be contacted by calling or writing:
Bart Chretien Enterprises
P.O. Box 29505
Maple Ridge, BC
V2X 2VO CANADA
phone: 604-805-1338
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