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Ministers celebrate International Adult Learners� Week Judy Foote, Minister of Education, and Sandra C. Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, are proud to join with all Canadians in celebrating the pan-Canadian inaugural launch of International Adult Learners Week, September 8-14, 2002. Sponsored by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Adult Learners� Week seeks to raise the profile and promote adult learning throughout life with the goal of increasing the number of adults engaged in learning activities. "Learning is something that enriches the lives of everyone," said Minister Foote. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the significance of Adult Learners� Week because it reinforces the message that everyone, regardless of age, should take advantage of learning opportunities and enjoy the benefits that come from doing so." Minister Kelly added, "We are pleased to participate in the first International Adult Learners� Week along with other provinces and territories across the country. As a government, we are committed to promoting adult learning throughout life and to increasing the number of adults engaged in learning activities. Literacy is not only important in obtaining employment but also to ensuring that individuals experience a high quality of life." The Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is celebrating International Literacy Day and International Adult Learners� Week by sponsoring an event at the Resource Centre for the Arts Gallery in St. John�s on September 8. "We are pleased to join with our many adult literacy partners in celebrating Adult Learners� Week," said Charlie Greene, chairperson of the Literacy Development Council. "We are particularly excited to be hosting the Newfoundland and Labrador launch of Voices of Canadian Literacy, a compilation of work by adult learners, and welcome the editor, Mr. Lee Weinstein. I invite the public to come to the Resource Centre for the Arts from 5-7 p.m., participate in the festivities and meet Mr. Weinstein, Minister Judy Foote and another very special guest, author Michael Crummey." International Adult Learners� Week is being launched nationally on September 5 at the Canadian Museum for Civilization in Hull, Quebec. Newfoundland and Labrador will be represented at the launch by Mary Hartson, an adult learner who, at the age of 54, learned how to read and write. After years of hard work, Ms. Hartson achieved many of her goals and gave back to the community by serving as the student-tutor coordinator of the Humber Literacy Council. In 1998 Ms. Hartson received the Laubach Literacy Council volunteer of the year award. Media contact:Catherina
Kennedy, Department of Education, (709) 729-0048. 2002 09 05 11:00 a.m. |
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