"Since 2005 Stella Burry Community Services, through HOPEworks Adult Basic Education program, has been helping adults achieve independence and transition to the workplace," said Premier Williams. "Their remarkable work is valuable to so many, yet it often goes unnoticed. The dedication of the many people who contribute to this program deserves to be recognized and applauded."

In July 2004, the Council of the Federation established the COF Literacy Award and a medallion to recognize the excellence of learners, educators, volunteers, businesses and other organizations that make a significant contribution to literacy. Each jurisdiction is responsible for setting the guidelines for their nominations in fields such as family, Aboriginal, health, workplace and community literacy, and selecting the award recipient. This year Newfoundland and Labrador asked for nominations for non-profit community organizations that deliver basic adult literacy programs or the Provincial Adult Basic Education Level I program.

"The receipt of the Council of the Federation Literacy award is true testimony to the hard work of this program, our volunteers and our learners," said Sharon Lush, instructor with the HOPEworks ABE program. "Our goal is to make education accessible to those who have felt it was beyond their grasp, hindering their attempts at finding meaningful employment, making it difficult to help their children with schoolwork, and keeping them from fully participating in society. A whole new world has been opened up to our learners through their hard work and dedication. Their love of learning and desire to improve their lives is celebrated with this award."

Stella Burry Community Services will receive a certificate signed by Premier Williams, along with the Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion that commemorates their significant contribution to literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Williams Government provides annual funding for both adult and early childhood literacy grants, for Adult Basic Education Scholarships and for Adult Basic Education programming offered at the College of the North Atlantic. Since 2004, this funding has been increased by just over $1.5 million, for an annual investment of approximately $6.8 million.

"Recognizing the important work of community organizations such as Stella Burry Community Services is vital as we continue our process of improving literacy levels for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians," added Premier Williams. "The Council of the Federation is pleased to recognize those individuals and organizations across Canada who strive to improve our nation�s literacy skills."

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. The council enables premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government.

To learn more, visit www.councilofthefederation.ca.

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