Honourary chair appointed for Literacy Endowment Fund

Education Minister Judy Foote announced today the appointment of June Alteen as honourary chair for the Literacy Endowment Fund.

The Department of Education, in partnership with the National Literacy Secretariat of Human Resources Development Canada, have each contributed $1 million to create the $2 million Literacy Endowment Fund. The fund is managed by the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"It will be Ms. Alteen�s role to raise matching contributions from the private sector - $2 million over two years. The fund will be used for adult literacy initiatives based on the Strategic Literacy Plan," said Minister Foote.

"Ms. Alteen�s background and experience in education, along with her knowledge of literacy issues and successful business track record make her the ideal person for this position. She is a committed and dedicated leader who has earned the respect of educators and the general public throughout our province," added the minister. "I am delighted that she has accepted this challenge and I know that she will be met with enthusiasm that matches her own as she works with the private sector to achieve her goals."

June Alteen has been a volunteer with school boards in the province for nine years. She served as chair with the former Humber St. Barbe R.C. and District 3 school boards, was elected vice-president of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association in 1997 and served as president from May 1998 to 2000. Ms. Alteen is active in education on the national level, also, serving on various committees and working groups.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2000 05 18                                                     1:00 p.m.