Adult Learners, Literacy Advocates Honoured
Adult learners and the literacy organizations and volunteers who support them were honoured today, Sept. 8, in Dartmouth.
The Department of Labour and Workforce Development hosted an awards ceremony as part of Nova Scotia's 19th annual International Literacy Day celebrations.
"The Nova Scotians we honour today are not only making significant contributions to our workplaces and communities, they are making a better life for themselves and their families," said Premier Darrell Dexter.
Blaise Sullivan, of Antigonish, is this year's recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. The award recognizes an adult learner from Nova Scotia who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in literacy and made significant contributions to school, workplace and/or community.
Mr. Sullivan originally left the education system at age 15.
"I used to be afraid to go to school because I used to find the work very difficult," said Mr. Sullivan. "I always thought I wasn't good enough, and that is why I never excelled in the classroom."
After 30 years of missing great job opportunities because of a lack of education, Mr. Sullivan decided to return to school. After three years of hard work, and support from the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association, he is now a champion for literacy.
"That fear I used to feel every time I thought about school is now replaced with pride, and a sense of accomplishment," said Mr. Sullivan. "I now have the confidence I need to grow my business and further my education, and that is a great feeling."
Mr. Sullivan owns Henry's Hairstyling in Antigonish, and is working towards his GED.
"The success these adult learners are experiencing is a true testament that returning to the classroom, even after many years, does open the door to many opportunities," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.
Andrea Manthorne, of Tatamagouche, is this year's recipient of the Patricia Helliwell Volunteer Tutor Award, for community-based adult literacy program volunteers. It is named for Ms. Helliwell who was a tutor for 14 years.
Other awards included the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning Community Literacy Volunteer Award, the Family Literacy Award, the Seniors' Literacy and Learning Partnership Award, the GED Award, Workplace Ambassador Awards, and the Alex MacDonald Award.
A series of awards recognizing workplace education achievements in workplace education were also presented during the ceremony. The awards are presented to Nova Scotians who are committed to lifelong learning.
The province invests millions of dollars each year to help adult Nova Scotians improve literacy skills and earn high school diplomas. Programs are free and offered in French and English at more than 140 sites across the province. The province also invests in partnerships with business and labour groups to support adults who participate in education programs offered at 98 workplaces.