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. |