Minister celebrates International Literacy Day

Education Minister Judy Foote has signed a proclamation supporting the declaration by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designating Friday September 8 as International Literacy Day and September as International Literacy Month.

"This proclamation reminds us how important literacy is to improving the quality of life of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," Minister Foote explained. "It urges everybody to do their part to promote literacy by reading to others, patronizing the local library or encouraging any activity involving reading or writing."

The minister added that the Department of Education is currently carrying out a number of initiatives to promote literacy in schools. These include creating reading specialist positions in school districts and providing professional assistance for primary teachers to support reading and writing instruction. More than 60 teachers and specialists in the school system will receive specialized training during this school year. All primary schoolchildren are being tested to ensure they can read by the end of Grade 3 and programs are being implemented to help those with problems. The department is also collaborating with the other Atlantic provinces on information related to literacy development for teachers, administrators and parents.

"These initiatives originate from the government�s Strategic Literacy Plan," Ms. Foote concluded.

"Implementing this plan will bring us closer to creating a society in which all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can read and write, and where literacy is valued and understood as contributing to personal, social and economic development."

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

2000 09 07 3:30 p.m.