Adult Learners, Literacy Organizations and Volunteers Honoured

Several Nova Scotians were honoured with literacy awards at the province's 20th annual International Literacy Day celebrations.

Premier Darrell Dexter and Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More attended a celebration in Halifax today, Sept. 8, honouring adult learners, and the literacy organizations and volunteers who support them.

"It gives me great pleasure to honour these outstanding Nova Scotians here today," said Premier Dexter. "Lifelong learning not only supports individuals in the workforce, it also helps make life better for them at home and in their communities."

Premier Dexter presented the Council of the Federation Literacy Award to Marcia Jeffers of Colchester County. The annual award recognizes an adult learner from Nova Scotia who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in literacy and made significant contributions to their school, workplace and/or community.

Ms. Jeffers returned to school after 10 years and has excelled both academically and personally, earning her Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults and Continuing Care Assistant certificate. She was also chosen as valedictorian at her graduating ceremonies.

"I never thought when I was starting out that I could achieve so much," said Ms. Jeffers. "I had wonderful teachers who believed in me and now these programs have opened up a lot of new opportunities."

In addition to participating in various programs, Ms. Jeffers volunteers with the NSCC Student's Association, the Breakfast Program, Student Success Banquet and Orientation Committee, and has tutored at a community learning program.

Several other literacy awards were presented including the Patricia Helliwell Volunteer Tutor Award, which recognizes community-based adult literacy program volunteers. This year's recipient is Margie Spencer of Newport, Hants Co.

"These programs would not be possible without the support of volunteers and organizations across the province," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "Even as we honour these individual achievements here today, I'd like to also thank all of the volunteers and recognize their efforts and the role they play in making life better for families in every region."

A full list of awards and recipients is available at www.gonssal.ca .

The province invests millions of dollars each year to help adult Nova Scotians improve their literacy skills and earn their high school diploma. Programs are free and offered at more than 140 sites across the province in French and English. The province also invests in partnerships with business and labour groups to support adults who participate in education programs offered at 98 workplaces across the province.