News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  

NLIS 1
September 8, 2006
(Education)
 

International Literacy Day

Today, September 8, literacy organizations throughout the province are recognizing International Literacy Day. On this day each year, literacy stakeholders around the world take the opportunity to celebrate literacy and sponsor local events to remember the importance of literacy and lifelong learning.

To mark the occasion, Dave Denine, Parliamentary Secretary to Education Minister Joan Burke, and Kim Gillard, executive director of Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador, signed a proclamation officially recognizing International Literacy Day.

�The importance of literacy, education and lifelong learning cannot be overstated,� said Education Minister Joan Burke. �Government has made significant investments in adult learning and literacy over the past several years, recognizing the critical role education plays in our success as a province. High literacy skills translate into success for both the individual and our province.�

The minister noted that over the past several years, government has increased funding to support community-based delivery of ABE Level 1 programs and this year provided $1.2 million to increase full-time and part-time ABE offerings at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) campuses. An additional $650,000 was allocated to expand the Comprehensive Arts and Science College Transition Program and a GED pilot preparation course was piloted at the college. The minister also said that the Department of Education will be announcing funding within the coming weeks for community-based literacy organizations offering ABE or one-on-one tutoring.

"International Literacy Day provides a great opportunity to highlight the importance of literacy in people's everyday lives," says Kim Gillard, executive director of Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador. "As the new grassroots literacy network for the province, we will work year-round, through partnerships and outreach, to ensure all people in our province have opportunities to gain the necessary literacy skills to reach their potential."

Dave Denine was pleased to sign this year�s proclamation on behalf of Minister Burke. �This government is unwavering in its commitment to literacy and lifelong learning. This is why it is important on days like today to take a moment and remember how lucky we are to live in a society that values literacy, recognizing it is a key to personal development and economic opportunity,� said Mr. Denine.

Photo #1: Kim Gillard and Dave Denine, signing a proclamation declaring September 8th International Literacy Day

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

2006 09 08                                     9:15 a.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement