Premier Ball Announces Council of the Federation Literacy Award Winner

  • Executive Council
  • Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

September 7, 2018

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced Suna Dau Yath of St. John’s as this year’s recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. The announcement coincides with International Literacy Day on September 8, which celebrates literacy and skills development.

Born in Sudan, Ms. Dau Yath began her education learning Arabic by an oil lamp. Once she arrived in Canada, Ms. Dau Yath enrolled in English as a Second Language training and spent much of her spare time improving her English by borrowing books from the library and reading to her children. She has since completed Adult Basic Education courses and graduated from high school. Ms. Dau Yath is a respected community leader among her fellow Sudanese newcomers. She volunteers at her local community centre, children’s school, and plans to pursue post-secondary education.

Established in 2004, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award celebrates the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy as well as adult learners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to literacy.

Quotes
“It is my great pleasure to congratulate Suna Dau Yath, whose extraordinary dedication to education for herself and her family has earned her the Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Through The Way Forward, our government is committed to supporting adult Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Literacy is essential to building a strong and inclusive workforce and the supports we provide enable Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of all backgrounds and abilities to improve their skills. I am proud to congratulate Suna Dau Yath on her well-deserved recognition.” 
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

“I am blessed to be in Canada, to come to Newfoundland and Labrador, and to find beautiful people who are really supportive. Without them, I would not be here today. When I came to Canada, I really wanted to learn and to know about a lot of things like how to be a successful person. I had zero English and I got the support to be here today. Thank you to my tutors, the people who nominated me for this award and my family for their support. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my community and past experiences.” 
Suna Dau Yath
Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipient

– 30 –

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient, Ms. Suna Dau Yath.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient, Ms. Suna Dau Yath.



The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient, Ms. Suna Dau Yath, and her family.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, and Council of the Federation Literacy Award recipient, Ms. Suna Dau Yath, and her family.

 

Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca

Suna Dau Yath 
689-3399
s_u_n_a@live.ca

2018 09 07 10:00 am