Achievement in the field of literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador was recognized this week at Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador�s professional development institute, Reading the Landscape: Excellence in Adult Literacy Practice. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, on behalf of the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, presented Stella Burry Community Services with the 2007 Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award. This year�s recipient was officially announced this past August.

"Through HOPEworks Adult Basic Education program, Stella Burry Community Services is helping adults achieve their full potential and make a successful transition to the workforce," said Premier Williams. "It gives me great pleasure to once again recognize the dedication of all those who contribute to this program and who have such a positive impact on others. Our government will continue to invest in adult basic education to provide people with the tools they need to expand their careers, income and self-reliance."

Minister Burke presented representatives of Stella Burry Community Services with 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.

"Education is fundamental to our success and self-reliance as individuals and as a province," said Minister Burke. "We must always search for ways to reach those in our province who are most at risk and help them access educational opportunities. Addressing the diverse needs of people and the differing priorities in various regions of our province will be a key focus of the development of a strategic adult literacy plan."

Budget 2007 announced $140,000 for the development of an adult literacy plan, recognizing the need for regionally-based action plans to address local priorities in each region of the province. Since 2004, the Williams Government has increased funding to literacy programming by over $1.5 million for a total of approximately $24 million. This includes funding for community-based literacy programs, Adult Basic Education programs at College of the North Atlantic, scholarships and early childhood grants.

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