October 20, 1999
(Education)

Department finalizing Literacy Plan

The Department of Education is finalizing the Strategic Literacy Plan and plans to release it before the end of the year.

The department is taking seriously the input received from stakeholders during the public consultation process last year.

Government looks forward to working with community-based organizations including the Literacy Development Council and the National Literacy Secretariat to implement the plan.

The Strategic Social Plan identified literacy as a priority. In 1998, the Literacy Strategic Planning Unit was established which worked with the Literacy Development Council and a government-community steering committee to obtain public input with respect to the most effective and efficient use of resources to improve literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Government recognizes that an educated population is vital to the future prosperity of our province. Literacy skills are important to employment, citizenship and family life. Fundamental to education, and so to the future of the province, is the issue of literacy.

Media contact: Nancy Healey (709) 729-0048.

1999 10 20                                         4:40 p.m.