Nova Scotia Celebrates International Literacy Day

Adult learners, educators and volunteers celebrated their contributions and achievements in literacy today. Premier John Hamm and Education Minister Jane Purves honoured them during an International Literacy Day awards and recognition ceremony in Halifax.

"Literacy continues to be a priority for the government of Nova Scotia," said Premier Hamm. "We're celebrating the successes of Nova Scotian adults who have returned to learning despite many unique challenges."

"Today we recognize the outstanding achievements of adult learners, educators and community-based-literacy volunteers," said Ms. Purves. "We all benefit from the efforts of educators and learners who help us build healthy and vibrant communities."

To mark the International Year of the Volunteer, the province presented a new Community Literacy Award to seven volunteers from across Nova Scotia. The recipients were recognized for their dedication to community-based-literacy programs. They are: Victor Foster, Sydney; Joan Coolen, Prospect; Sara Peppard, Central West River, Pictou Co.; Rilla Race, Shelburne; Dorothy Thompson, Antigonish; and Jerri Costa, Annapolis Royal. Laurette Deveau, Cheticamp, received the overall provincial award that encompasses the Acadian, African-Canadian, deaf, English as a second language and Mi'kmaq communities.

These award winners are volunteers in the Department of Education's Community Learning Initiative (CLI). This government-community partnership, supports 27 learning networks, providing adult literacy programming throughout the province. Last year, the CLI funded 136 programs across Nova Scotia with more than 2,000 people participating. Through the CLI, the literacy community in Nova Scotia has gained a strong voice, expressing the need for increased access to quality programming and better resources for adults.

"My children are one of the reasons I felt I should better myself by furthering my education, sending my sons a message. If I can do it, so can you," said Cathy Saulnier, an adult learner from the Digby Area Learning Centre, one of the learning networks. "Finishing school or having the opportunity to graduate can only help me to go further, and be more skilled at something. That makes me a happier person."

The Workplace Education Initiative is another way the department brings business, industry and labour partners together to provide grants and services for the creation of essential skills programs. Currently, 1200 Nova Scotians in more than 50 work sites across the province are benefiting from workplace education programs.

This year, the Department of Education established a new award in memory of Alex MacDonald, a workplace and literacy champion who founded the Federation of Labour's literacy program. The Alex MacDonald Ambassador Award was presented to Kevin Landry, Antigonish, who is a member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1867, Department of Transportation and Public Works. Mr. Landry was recognized for his contribution to the labour movement through his involvement with workplace education.

Three people received Workplace Education Ambassador Awards for expressing their commitment to lifelong learning by promoting and participating in workplace education programs. The recipients were Ernie MacInnis, Sr., Trenton Works Limited, Trenton; Theodore Marr, J.D. Irving/Lewis Sawmill, Weymouth; and Jack McCulloch, Elmsdale Lumber Company, Elmsdale. Each recipient also received a $200 gift certificate courtesy of the Nova Scotia Community College.

Awards were also given to men and women who have returned to learning and successfully achieved their General Educational Development (GED) Diploma. Shaun Rozee of Wolfville was honoured with the GED National Award for Outstanding Achievement. This award is granted to the individual who achieves the highest score on the GED tests written in Nova Scotia.

The Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. GED Scholarship Award was presented to Frances Ann Marie Pelley of Antigonish. This $1,000 award is granted to a GED graduate who is enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program in a science or math-related field at a recognized institution in Nova Scotia.

Canada Post's Literacy Awards, honouring Canadians who support literacy, were also presented at the ceremony. Paul DeLong of Meteghan River won the Individual Literacy Achievement Award for his personal achievements as an adult learner. The Cobequid Work Activity Program in Truro was awarded the Literacy Leadership Award for their long-term achievement, innovation, leadership and organizational excellence.

International Literacy Day was declared 30 years ago by the United Nations. It is celebrated each year on Sept. 8.