Adult Learners, Literacy Volunteers Honoured

Nova Scotians who have made a significant contribution to adult literacy and learning were honoured at Nova Scotia's 14th annual International Literacy Day celebrations in Dartmouth today, Sept. 8.

Eleven adult learners and literacy advocates, two Nova Scotia companies and one union local were recognized at the ceremony.

"These award winners clearly show that a dedication to education and love of learning, leads to success," said Dennis Cochrane, deputy minister of Education. "The programs we provide help adult Nova Scotians upgrade their education and training to be successful in their lives, work and communities."

Mr. Cochrane presented the Department of Education's Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Community Literacy Volunteer Awards.

Edna Kenney of Kentville was awarded the Canada Post Individual Literacy Achievement Award. The award is presented to individuals who have succeeded in overcoming social or economic barriers by improving literacy skills.

"I was always very shy, but my experience in literacy gave me a lot of self-confidence," said Ms. Kenney. "I had the opportunity to serve on different boards of local, provincial and national literacy organizations. Sometimes it almost scares me how far I've come along."

Created in 2001, the awards honour volunteers involved in community-based adult literacy programs. This year's four recipients are: -- Cynthia Power, Antigonish County Adult Learning Association; -- Bruce Johnson, Yarmouth County Literacy Council; -- Darlene Porter, Cumberland Adult Network for Upgrading; -- Eileen MacNeil, Cape Breton Literacy Network.

Workplace Ambassador Awards were presented to four Nova Scotians who have participated in literacy and upgrading programs in the workplace. Each recipient also received a $200 gift certificate to attend programs offered by Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). The recipients are: -- Lawrence Oickle, Larson Packers Ltd., Berwick; -- Virginia Vacheresse, Glen Haven Manor, Pictou; -- Denise Lewis, Alex MacDonald Award, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 505, Cape Breton; -- Curtis Lemieux, Metocean Data Systems Limited, Burnside.

"I can see the benefits on a daily basis and continually hear references (me included) to what we learned in the communications program about teamwork, effective communications and respect," said Mr. Lemieux, vice-president, production, Metocean Data Systems Limited. "Our program brought everyone closer together and created a team atmosphere."

Recipients of the Conference Board of Canada Awards were also recognized at the event. These awards showcase companies whose workplace literacy programs enhance employee reading, writing and numeracy skills. In the small business category, the recipient was Elmsdale Lumber. In the medium-sized business category, the recipients were Minas Basin Pulp and Power and Communications, Energy and Paperworkers, Local 538.

Brydon Huntley of Halifax was awarded the GED National Award for Outstanding Achievement, granted to the individual who achieves the highest score on the General Education Development (GED) tests written in Nova Scotia. The GED testing program is an internationally recognized assessment tool that tests participants' knowledge of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.

Abdul Karim Harara of Halifax was awarded 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. Harara is enrolled in the Recording Arts Program at NSCC.

The province invests more than $6.5 million to offer programs to the more than 4,800 adults supported through Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. Additionally, the province invested more than $282,000 in 2003-04 to partner with business and labour in supporting the 1,200 adults who participated in workplace education programs offered at more than 80 workplaces across the province.