Premier's Literacy Award Recognizes Exceptional Adult Learner

For adults, going back to school to improve their literacy skills requires courage and commitment, but the payoff can be tremendous. Later this summer, Premier John Hamm will recognize one outstanding adult learner with Nova Scotia's first Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Nominations are now being accepted.

"A well-educated, skilled workforce is one of the key elements of a strong economy and healthy society," said Premier Hamm. "I look forward to joining premiers across the country in recognizing Canadians who have shown exceptional commitment in their efforts to become better educated."

At the Council of the Federation meeting in July 2004, Canada's premiers and territorial leaders agreed to create an award to increase awareness of the many achievements in literacy in each province and territory.

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award will be given annually, beginning this year, to a recipient in each province and territory who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of literacy. Here in Nova Scotia, the award will be presented to an adult learner who has made outstanding progress in his or her own learning.

"Adults who opt to go back to school and continue their learning are taking a brave step and are to be congratulated," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Learning doesn't need to be confined to public school. We are working to ensure Nova Scotians of all ages have the opportunity to gain the literacy and numeracy skills they need to learn, live and work successfully in the province."

The Department of Education supports nearly 5,000 Nova Scotia adults through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. The department also helps about 1,200 adults in Nova Scotia workplaces improve their essential skills through the Workplace Education Initiative.

To nominate an exceptional adult literacy learner for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, individuals must complete a nomination package, which includes a nomination form, a personal story written by the nominee, and two letters of support, one from a representative of an adult learning program the nominee attended, and one from either an employer, community organization or fellow student that has been inspired by the nominee.

The award selection committee will include representatives from business, industry, education and community organizations.

Nomination materials will be available at adult literacy organizations in the province, including Literacy Nova Scotia, community-based literacy groups, Nova Scotia Community College, school board adult high schools and workplace education partners. To download a nomination form, or for more information about the award, see the website at www.ednet.ns.ca .

All nominations must be addressed to the Department of Education, Adult Education Division, 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2S9 and post-marked by June 17. The winner will be notified in August 2005.