Top Literacy Award Given to Antigonish Resident

Nova Scotia newcomer Malak Alahmad is this year’s recipient of the Nova Scotia Council of the Federation Literacy Award for her dedication to improving her literacy and for making a difference in the lives of Syrian women in her community of Antigonish.

“Malak’s commitment to learning, supporting her family, and her community are truly inspiring,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “I admire her determination as she works to provide the best life possible for her family here in our province.”

Alahmed and her husband left behind a life of war in Syria to create a better life for their family in Nova Scotia. Her education journey was paused when she married at age 14 and became a mother shortly thereafter. Her family, who lived in a Jordanian refugee camp after having fled the Syrian civil war, was sponsored by Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace and settled in Nova Scotia in 2017.

Ms. Alahmad is a mother of four and had no English language skills when she arrived in Nova Scotia. She enrolled in English literacy classes at the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association and achieved a level five in English in less than three years. She is currently taking courses to improve her math and science skills.

Ms. Alahmad hopes to enrol in community college soon with the eventual goal of obtaining her high school diploma.

Quotes:

“I wanted to learn English so I could help my children in school, so I could understand the doctors, the daycare workers, and others. The amount of support we have received here in Antigonish is truly amazing. In two and a half years, I've learned about and adjusted to the enormous differences in Canadian and Syrian cultures. I’ve learned what it feels like to have a sense of freedom. My family feels comfortable and safe. I am blessed and very lucky.”

– Malak Alahmad

“Ms. Alahmad has dedicated herself to learning the English language, which she has begun to master. Ms. Alahmad balances motherhood, class and settling herself and her family into a new country with grace and enthusiasm. She maintains a positive attitude in all that she does and is supportive of her fellow classmates. She is an excellent role model, not only for her family, but for her fellow learners and instructors as well.”

– Shayla MacDonald, Antigonish County Adult Learning Association

Quick Facts:

• the Council of the Federation Literacy Award was established in 2004 by Canada’s premiers
• 13 awards are presented annually, one for each province and territory
• the award is presented annually to an adult learner who demonstrates outstanding achievements in literacy and makes a significant contribution to their school, workplace or community

Additional Information:
To learn more about the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, visit: https://novascotia.ca/lae/cof-literacy-award.asp

For more information about Nova Scotia Adult Learning, visit: https://novascotia.ca/adult-learning/

To read more about the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association, visit: https://www.acalalearn.ca/