Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
April 2, 2014

Literacy Learners Helping Build Strong Communities

Premier Encourages Nominations for Council of the Federation Literacy Award

In recognition of Adult Learners’ Week (March 29 to April 6), the Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is encouraging people to nominate adult literacy learners in their communities for a 2014 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the importance of literacy in providing a foundation for prosperity, innovation and growth. I commend all adult learners for their hard work, dedication and achievements, and invite individuals and groups across the province to recommend adult learners who are helping better their own lives, and the lives of others, for this award.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Created by Canada’s premiers, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award has been awarded since 2005 in all provinces and territories. The award recognizes the valuable contributions of Canadians in the field of literacy, including family, Aboriginal, health, workplace and community literacy. A Literacy Award medallion will be presented to the Newfoundland and Labrador recipient in the fall of 2014.

“Literacy, learning and education are top priorities for this government. Since 2004 over $67 million has been allocated by the Provincial Government to help more than 11,000 adult learners strengthen their literacy skills, and we continue to work with our partners throughout the province to better prepare individuals for post-secondary education and employment.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

This year, nominations for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award are being accepted in the category of Adult Literacy Learner, recognizing individuals who have faced difficulties in life because they could not read or write well in English, and have taken steps to improve their reading and writing skills.

Any person or group can nominate an individual for a Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Nominees must be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, be 18 years of age or older, and have participated in an adult basic literacy, workplace literacy or Adult Basic Education program for at least six months. Nominations must be received by May 30, 2014. Full details on eligibility and the nomination form can be found at the Department of Advanced Education and Skills website at: www.aes.gov.nl.ca/.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is inviting residents to nominate an adult literacy learner for a 2014 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
• This year, the award recognizes individuals who have faced difficulties in life because they could not read or write well in English, and have taken steps to improve their reading and writing skills.
• Nominations must be received by May 30, 2014. Full details on eligibility and the nomination form can be found at www.aes.gov.nl.ca/.
• Designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2000, Adult Learners’ Week celebrates life-long learning as one of several essential factors in developing more inclusive societies. For more information, visit: //unesco.ca/en/home-accueil/alw-saa .

Media contacts:

2014 04 02                                             11:35 a.m.