NLIS 1
September 8, 2001
(Education)

New reading campaign launched

Today, International Literacy Day, Education Minister Judy Foote and Senator Joyce Fairbairn joined members of the literacy community at the Health and Literacy Conference in St. John�s to launch Read and Succeed, a province-wide promotional campaign designed to make reading the family thing to do.

"It is no secret that our ability to do well in school, and in life, begins at home with an early introduction to the joys of reading and learning," Minister Foote said. "The reading habits we develop at an early age set the stage for our success in the future. That is why it is so important for families to make reading a part of their day-to-day lives. It gives children a solid foundation on which to learn and grow."

A local choir helped launch the campaign by singing a new song written especially for the campaign. Local musician Glenn Simmons has recorded a version of this song, which will be aired on radio stations starting this weekend. Posters, bookmarks and T-shirts were distributed at the launch and a new website currently under construction at www.gov.nl.ca/readandsucceed will evolve as the campaign unfolds. Radio and television advertisements will also be components of the campaign and will be aired during the coming months.

"I am pleased to join Minister Foote on this 14th annual United Nations International Literacy Day to launch this important initiative," Sen. Fairbairn, special advisor on literacy to the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada said. "I believe this message will encourage families across the province to adopt reading as part of their daily routines. It is critical that we set the stage for lifelong learning by providing all young children with enriching experiences to instill a love of reading."

Funding for the Read and Succeed campaign was provided by the National Literacy Secretariat, Human Resources Development Canada.

Photo #1: Judy Foote, Minister of Education, and Senator Joyce Fairbairn signing the International Literacy Day proclamation (Sept. 8, 2001)

Photo #2: Jacinta Graham's choir singing the new Read and Succeed campaign song (Sept. 8, 2001)

Media contact: Nora Daly, Department of Education, (709) 729-1906.

2001 09 08                                             6:40 p.m.


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