Awards Honour Adult Learners, Literacy Volunteers

Fifteen adult learners and literacy volunteers were honoured for their accomplishments at Nova Scotia's 12th annual International Literacy Day celebrations today, Sept. 9.

"When we can read well and write well, then the sky's the limit to what we can learn and achieve," said Premier John Hamm. "Nova Scotians who improve their literacy skills or help others to do so make our province a better place to live and work."

Sept. 8 is officially International Literacy Day and the first day of International Adult Learners' Week. Canada is celebrating the week for the first time.

"More than ever, today's job market is demanding that workers have strong literacy and communication skills," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We've put a focus on reading and writing in our public schools to help our young people develop these skills early. We're also encouraging adult Nova Scotians to continue learning throughout their lives."

Ms. Purves presented the Department of Education's Community Literacy Volunteer Awards. Created last year, the awards honour volunteers involved in community-based adult literacy programs. This year's seven recipients are:

• Jim McDermott, Halifax, provincial award;
• Walter Proctor, Antigonish, Strait region award;
• Fred Popowich, New Glasgow, northern region award;
• Michael Shaw, Dartmouth, metro region award;
• Mary McConnell, Liverpool, southwestern region award;
• Mary Johnson, Glace Bay, Cape Breton region award; and
• Eric Wells, Kentville, Valley region award.

Premier Hamm presented Workplace Ambassador Awards to four Nova Scotians who have participated in literacy and upgrading programs for the workforce. Each recipient also received a $200 gift certificate for the Nova Scotia Community College. The recipients are:

• George Corkum, Transportation and Public Works, New Minas;
• Koraljka Matinjanin, Casino Nova Scotia Hotel, Halifax
  Regional Municipality;
• Bernie Rent, Seasoned Employee Education and Development
  Skills Centre, Halifax Regional Municipality; and
• Barry Romo, Transportation and Public Works, Halifax Regional
  Municipality.

The GED National Award for Outstanding Achievement is granted to the individual who achieves the highest score on GED tests written in Nova Scotia. This year's award was presented to Terry Turner of Bridgewater. Mr. Turner passed the GED test in July 2001 with an outstanding score of 362 out of 400.

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited presented its GED Scholarship Award to Adam Rafuse of Chester. The award is granted to a GED recipient who is enrolled in a full-time science or math studies at a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution. Mr. Rafuse is beginning the information technology program at the Nova Scotia Community College this fall.

Canada Post presents two literacy awards each year. The Individual Literacy Achievement Award was presented to Patricia Connors of Truro. Ms. Connors completed a braille and academic program then earned a college diploma in child and youth care.

The Canada Post Community Leadership Award recognizes the contributions of literacy volunteers and organizations. This year's award was presented to the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program in New Glasgow. The program matches sponsors with libraries and gives prizes to children who read.

The first anniversary of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning was highlighted during the celebrations. The school's first graduating class of 150 adult learners received the new Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults this spring.

To mark the anniversary, graduates Lisa Forbes and Tina LeBlanc spoke about their experiences as adult learners and helped cut the school's first birthday cake.

FOR BROADCAST:

Fifteen adult learners and literacy volunteers were honoured

at International Literacy Day celebrations today (September 9th).

Premier John Hamm and Education Minister Jane Purves

attended the celebrations.

They presented awards to Nova Scotians who are engaged in

workplace education, volunteer in community literacy and reading

programs, and excel in G-E-D tests.

This year's literacy celebration took place during

International Adult Learners' Week. Canada is celebrating the

week for the first time this year.