Provincial International Literacy Day Awards
Premier Russell MacLellan honoured adult learners, educators and businesses today during the province's International Literacy Day Awards ceremony in Dartmouth.
Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison, Senator Joyce Fairbairn, and Ray White, special policy adviser for literacy, also took part in the event.
"Today is a special day as we recognize the commitment of adult learners and educators to literacy," said Premier MacLellan. "Today, we also recognize that literacy initiatives cannot succeed without a strong commitment from every level of society: family, community, educators, in the workplace and government."
The government of Nova Scotia reaffirmed its commitment to literacy at today's event highlighting the Community Literacy Initiative, Workplace Education Initiative, and partnerships with the federal government's National Literacy Secretariat.
The Community Literacy Initiative provides funds and supports 27 Learning Networks responsible for adult literacy programs throughout the province. More than 1,200 adult learners take part in the programs. Through the initiative, the literacy community in Nova Scotia has been given a strong voice, expressing the need for increased access to quality programming and better resources for adult learners. The Nova Scotia government has responded to this need by giving $1.6 million in funding to the Community Literacy Initiative in 1998.
The Workplace Education Initiative provides grants and supports to business and labour to create literacy programs in the workplace. Workplace Education is a partnership between government, business, labour and management. More than 800 employees in more than 40 worksites have taken part in the program.
At today's ceremony, four adult learners received Workplace Education Ambassador Awards for their commitment to lifelong learning through promoting and participating in the Workplace Education programs. Recipients were: Sharon MacDonald, Yarmouth; Patti MacKenzie, New Glasgow; Melba Pierce, Kingston; and Sandra Young, Lakeside.
Russel Metals Inc. of Lakeside and National Sea Products of Lunenburg were both recognized by the Conference Board of Canada for excellence in workplace literacy. Timothy L. Boutilier of Mushaboom was honoured with the GED National Award for Outstanding Achievement, and the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. GED Scholarship Award. Laura M. Cain of North Preston received the Dr. William Pearly Oliver Award.
Canada Post's Flight for Freedom awards, honouring Canadians who support literacy, were also given at the ceremony.
"Today's event highlights the commitment of literacy practitioners and supporters," said Premier MacLellan. "It is also a day to applaud the dedication of adult learners across the province and their return to learning."
International Literacy Day, declared by the United Nations, is being celebrated today, Sept. 8, 1998.