Families Celebrate Literacy

Nova Scotia families working to improve their literacy skills are being celebrated at a Family Literacy Day event.

Dartmouth South MLA Allan Rowe, on behalf of Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan, joined Nova Scotians who have benefited from literacy programs at an event at the Lloyd E. Matheson Centre today, Jan. 30.

Hayley Miller decided to go back to school after realizing she couldn't provide for her family with a Grade 8 education. She was afraid of the workload and feeling out of place, but moved to East Hants anyway and enrolled in the adult learning and GED prep program.

"I never thought I would ever get to go back to school, but the teachers at Central High were very encouraging," said Ms. Miller. "They helped me believe I could do it and after three years, I graduated with my adult high school diploma."

Hayley Miller is now employed as a dispatcher with the East Hants Community Rider.

"Today is about celebrating the importance of literacy for the whole family," said Mr. Rowe. "Literacy is what allows us to understand, interpret, communicate, create and inspire. A more literate community benefits us all."

Last year, 1,500 Nova Scotian families participated in 18 literacy programs supported by the province. The programs feature special theme workshops, information sessions and learning circles offered by community-based literacy organizations.

For more information about family literacy visit www.gonssal.ca .