Education Minister announces funding for adult literacy centres

Education Minister Gerry Reid is pleased to announce that transitional funding totaling approximately $200,000 will be awarded to five adult literacy providers in the province. The five sites which will receive funding for the period September 2003 to June 2004 are: the Rabbittown Learners� Program, St. John�s ($70,700); the Deer Lake Community Learning Centre, Deer Lake ($27,000); Bishop�s Falls United in Inclusion and Literacy Development (BUILD), Bishop�s Falls ($25,000); the Newfoundland/Labrador Laubach Literacy Council, Corner Brook ($36,000); and, Teachers on Wheels, St. John�s ($38,650).

"I am pleased to provide this funding, as it will enable these sites to continue to provide important literacy services to adult learners," said Minister Reid. "These sites have traditionally received operational funding from the Department of Education through the Literacy Development Council�s grant allocation, and provide an important service to people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

Last year, the Department of Education announced its intention to conduct an ABE Level 1, two-year pilot project. "The province will begin piloting the new ABE Level I program delivery model this fall," added Minister Reid. "The funding I am announcing today, along with the new pilot project, are important steps towards achieving the Strategic Literacy Plan�s goal of literacy levels which are among the highest in Canada."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0048, (709) 727-3438

2003 07 22                                       11:25 a.m.