News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--PROVINCE CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY
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Premier Russell MacLellan helped launch a family literacy video,
received a collection of writings from adult learners, and handed
out awards at International Literacy Day celebrations today in
Halifax. Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison and Ray
White, special policy adviser for literacy, also took part in the
event.
The day's events recognized the achievements of adult learners
and literacy supporters, and highlighted the important role that
the family, community, workplace and government play in providing
learning opportunities for Nova Scotians.
"It is important we recognize that literacy development takes
place in a variety of settings," said Premier MacLellan. "The
people and programs represented here today reflect the richness
of lifelong learning opportunities available throughout our
province. We need to work together to give everyone opportunities
to continue growing and learning."
One of the highlights of the day was the launching of the family
literacy video All Things Wise and Wonderful. The video
encourages parents to be actively involved in their children's
learning from birth. It illustrates the value of learning
together, the benefits of family story time and how to encourage
a child's language development.
"Whether we are teaching our babies to appreciate language or
taking our toddlers for a walk in the park, it is never too early
for them to learn," said Premier MacLellan. "All Things Wise and
Wonderful illustrates the important role we play in our
children's development because we are, in fact, their first
teachers, and the community becomes one of their schools."
The community also played a role in the event when adult learners
enrolled in Community Learning Initiative programs from across
the province presented Premier MacLellan with a copy of Over the
Mountain II, a collection of their stories, poems and articles.
The Community Learning Initiative currently includes 27 Learning
Networks throughout the province which have given second-chance
opportunities to more than 1,000 participants.
Four adult learners were also presented with Workplace Education
Ambassador Appreciation awards for demonstrating their commitment
to learning by participating in education programs in their
workplaces. Receiving awards were: Mary Beach, Westville; Linda
Drake, Dartmouth; Reg Harnish, Hubbards; and Rick Westhaver, Cole
Harbour.
"These individuals are recognized not only for their personal
achievement," said Mr Harrison, "but also for encouraging and
supporting the learning efforts of their co-workers."
Workplace Education programs give Nova Scotians the opportunity
to upgrade their skills through on-site literacy programs. Based
on a partnership among business, industry, labour and the
government, the Workplace Education Initiative provides grants
and supports to business and labour to create literacy programs
in their workplaces. This year, it is expected that 800 people at
40 work sites will take part in programs provincewide.
The day also included the presentation of the General Educational
Development (GED) National Award for Outstanding Achievement to
Christopher Lee of Lawrencetown. Mr. Lee achieved the highest
score on the GED tests in Nova Scotia in 1996. The GED is a high
school equivalency testing program consisting of five tests in
the areas of social studies, science, mathematics, writing and
interpreting literature and the arts. It enables adults who did
not complete high school to demonstrate they have acquired skills
through work, community, family and study, at or above a
secondary school level.
"All our award winners should be proud of their accomplishments,"
said Premier MacLellan. "Whether it is through academic upgrading
programs, Workplace Education, or the completion of the GED, many
learners have made a courageous choice to return to learning, and
this commitment has enabled them to overcome many barriers on
their path to success."
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Contact: Doug Hadley
Education and Culture
902-424-3999
ngr September 5, 1997 2:00 pm
