New literacy award program announced

Premier Danny Williams and Education Minister Tom Hedderson are pleased to announce a new literacy award designed to recognize outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy.

The Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created in partnership with the premiers of all provinces and territories and will recognize individuals and organizations from each province and territory who have made an exceptional contribution to literacy in their region. This year�s award in Newfoundland and Labrador will be given to an adult literacy learner who has made outstanding progress, has helped others and may have overcome adversity to reach his or her goals.

"Literacy skills are critical to our province�s social and economic development," said Premier Williams. "They allow our citizens to participate fully in society and become active and engaged individuals. I commend those who have chosen to improve their literacy skills and am pleased to have the opportunity to publicly recognize this achievement through the new Council of the Federation Literacy Award."

While this year the provincial award will be given to an adult learner, nationally, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award covers the entire spectrum of the literacy field, including family, aboriginal, health and workplace and community literacy and will be given to recognize the excellence of educators, volunteers, learners and community organizations and businesses. Each award recipient will receive a Council of the Federation medallion.

Minister Hedderson said: "I have met many exceptional adult literacy learners as I have traveled the province visiting ABE Level I programs and adult literacy conferences. They are an inspiration to us all and I expect many of them will receive nominations. We are delighted to be able to celebrate their accomplishments with the announcement of today�s award program."

To nominate an adult literacy learner for this award, individuals must complete a nomination form, a five-page (maximum) submission about the nominee, and include two letters of support from those involved in the learner�s literacy progress. All nominations must be postmarked by June 10, 2005. To download a nomination package, visit: //www.gov.nl.ca/edu/literacy/federation_award.htm

The first awards will be announced at the Council of the Federation meeting in Banff, Alberta in August. The Newfoundland and Labrador award will be presented by the premier at a special ceremony in the fall.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3950, 690-5500, or
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Nora Daly, Education, (709) 729-1906, 728-2819

2005 05 11                                        9:20 a.m.