Adult Learners, Literacy Volunteers Honoured

Nova Scotians who have made a significant contribution to literacy and learning were honoured at Nova Scotia's 13th annual International Literacy Day celebrations in Dartmouth today, Sept. 8.

Thirteen adult learners and literacy advocates and one literacy association were recognized at the ceremony.

"These award winners are all demonstrating the ideals of Skills Nova Scotia, our provincial skills agenda," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Reading and writing skills enrich our personal lives and contribute to a stronger economy and society."

Michael Stephen, an adult learner with the Bedford Sackville Literacy Network, helped begin the day's events with an inspirational account of his experience as an adult learner.

"Of the accomplishments I've been able to achieve in the last five years, none of them would have been possible without my initial contact with the Bedford Sackville Literacy Network," he said. "So many opportunities to learn have come my way, and every aspect of my life has changed."

Mr. Muir presented the Department of Education's Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Community Literacy Volunteer Awards. Created in 2001, the awards honour volunteers involved in community-based adult literacy programs. This year's four recipients are:

• Shirley McNamara, Richmond County Literacy Network;
• Mary Thompson, Yarmouth County Learning Network;
• Heather Croke, Dartmouth Literacy Network;
• Jane MacDonald, Cape Breton Literacy Network Association.

Mr. Muir also 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 to attend programs offered by Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). The recipients are:

• Luca Idzanovic, Prince George Hotel, Halifax Regional Municipality;
• Ronnie Jacquard, Western Regional Health Centre, Yarmouth;
• Jolynn Muise, Alex MacDonald Award, Southwest District Health Authority - Yarmouth Regional Hospital;
• Mel Lively, Elmsdale Lumber, Elmsdale.

David Beaton of Dartmouth was awarded the GED National Award for Outstanding Achievement, granted to the individual who achieves the highest score on GED tests written in Nova Scotia.

James Annis of Annapolis County was awarded (in absentia) the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited GED Scholarship Award. The $1,000 scholarship award is granted to a GED recipient who is enrolled in a full-time science or math studies program at a Nova Scotia post-secondary institution. Mr. Annis is enrolled in the Heavy Duty Equipment Repair diploma program at NSCC.

Pamela Ring of Digby was awarded the Canada Post Individual Literacy Achievement Award. The award is presented to individuals who have succeeded in overcoming social or economic barriers. Ms. Ring upgraded her literacy skills and is now writing children's stories and poetry.

The Cape Breton Literacy Network Association in Sydney was awarded the Canada Post Community Leadership Award recognizing organizational excellence in furthering the cause of literacy. The association offers free upgrading classes for adults who wish to improve their reading, writing, math and technology skills.

Dr. Richard Goldbloom of Halifax, an advocate of Read to Me!, a family literacy program which provides resources to parents of newborns to encourage an early love of reading, was awarded one of two Canada Post Educator awards. The Educator Award honours educators, tutors, and advocates who have demonstrated a commitment to the cause of literacy.

Gil Dares of Yarmouth, was awarded the second Educator Award. Mr. Dares is a police officer who became a tutor and advocate for learners in his community, and is the author of a children's book.

During the celebrations, Mel Lively, author and winner of a Workplace Education Ambassador Award, also launched his first book, Mel's Story. Mr. Lively left school at a young age to work in the woods to support his family. He recently completed a workplace education program to improve his reading and writing skills. With his tutor, he wrote about his lifelong learning story, the woods and lumber industry.