Delegates attend national forum on literacy

Joan Burke, Minister of Education, said today the Department of Education is pleased to sponsor a delegation of community representatives to attend a national Adult Literacy Forum in British Columbia from June 19 and 20, 2006.

The forum is the second to be held under the auspices of the Literacy Action Plan, an initiative of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). The first forum focused on literacy and early childhood education.

"Efforts are being made to promote literacy throughout Canada and this forum is an excellent venue to share best practices," said Education Minister Joan Burke, who is also chair of the CMEC. "Coordination and consultation through proactive partnerships is critical if we are to improve our literacy levels nation-wide. The conference will be a valuable source of information and ideas for all those working to increase literacy levels."

Conference workshops will address international adult literacy results, technology in the delivery of adult literacy programming, literacy and economics, workplace literacy, and ensuring quality and measurable success in adult literacy.

Minister Burke noted that significant investments are being made at the provincial level to assist people who are working to improve their literacy skills - $1.2 million has been allocated to increase the number of Adult Basic Education programs offered at College of the North Atlantic. The college will also see an expansion to the Comprehensive Arts and Science College Transition Program. This $650,000 investment will allow more people to improve their literacy and skills to advance to postsecondary education. The minister was also pleased to announce recently that $250,000 was allocated in Budget 2006 to increase the hours of operation at 42 public library sites.

"Literacy for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is absolutely essential to ensure our community�s are vital and productive. Giving adults an opportunity to increase their skills opens new doors for them, and provides a chance to contribute to their communities as active participants in our social and economic growth. We need to work as a team to raise our literacy levels and create a culture of literacy for all," said the minister.

Provincial delegates include:

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 06 15                 10:55 a.m.