Adult Learners, Literacy Advocates Honoured

Adult learners who have improved their literacy levels and succeeded in workplace education, as well as the literacy advocates who support them, were honoured today, Sept. 8, at Nova Scotia's 15th annual International Literacy Day celebrations in Dartmouth.

"The strong economy and vibrant society we enjoy in Nova Scotia is largely due to our well-educated and highly skilled workforce," said Premier John Hamm. "The adult learners recognized today showed great determination and success in their efforts to return to learning and upgrade their skills."

Premier Hamm presented the first Council of the Federation Literacy Award to Crystal Simmons of Lantz, Hants Co. The award was introduced by Canada's 13 premiers this year to recognize an adult learner who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in literacy and made significant contributions to school, workplace and/or community.

"Dropping out of school with only a Grade 9 education caused me more than a bit of shame," said Ms. Simmons. "As a single mother I have always wanted to be a good role model for my children, and I knew if I wanted my children to succeed in school I would have to show them that I could go to school and graduate. I also realized that in order to support my family, I would need to get more than a job, I needed a career."

Education Minister Jamie Muir presented the Department of Education's Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Community Literacy Volunteer Awards.

"There are many dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to teach adult learners new skills. Without outstanding Nova Scotians like these, adult literacy and lifelong learning initiatives wouldn't be possible," said Mr. Muir. "They deserve many thanks for a job well done."

Created in 2001, the awards honour volunteers involved in community-based adult literacy programs. This year's four recipients are:

• Kim Stockley, Community Learning Association North of Smokey
• Eileen Perry, Cumberland Adult Network for Upgrading
• Sandra Carver, Queens Learning Network
• Beryl and Mel Parsons, Western HRM Community Learning Network Board.

Workplace Ambassador Awards were presented to three 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. The recipients are:

• Pamela Atwell, ACA Cooperative Limited
• Denise Blades, Yarmouth Regional Hospital
• Tammy Brunet, Lord Nelson Hotel
• Kelly Thorne, Alex MacDonald Award, Canadian Auto Workers Local 4619A.

"I took part in the Back to School Workplace Education program and it was a wonderful opportunity," said Ms. Atwell, a labourer at ACA Cooperative's poultry processing plant. "A lot of employees took part in the program and were able to broaden their horizons. The program really improved my self esteem and I plan to go on to write my GED."

Joanne Nolet from Wallace, Cumberland Co., received the GED National Award for Outstanding Achievement, recognizing 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.

Ernie Cotter of Hopewell, Pictou Co., received the Canada Post Individual Literacy Achievement Award. The award is presented to an individual who has succeeded in overcoming social or economic barriers by improving their literacy skills.

The province invests more than $6.6 million to offer programs to the more than 4,800 adults supported through Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. Additionally, the province invests more than $500,000 to partner with business and labour groups in supporting the 1,200 adults who participated in workplace education programs offered at more than 80 workplaces across the province.