The share the stories program funds reading circles and book collections for children across Canada. ABC CANADA manages the program on behalf of Coca-Cola and distributes funds to successful applicants. Over the last two years, a total of 995 organizations have applied for share the stories funding. Of these, 172 programs from every province and territory received grants.

Canadian not- for-profit literacy organizations, school libraries and public libraries can apply for $2,500 worth of funding to assist in the development/maintenance of a reading circle, or $1,500 to create/supplement a children's book collection.

Eligible organizations interested in applying for share the stories funding can download the complete application package from ABC CANADA's Web site at http://www.abc-canada.org/sts. Or contact ABC CANADA directly at 1-800-303-1004. e-mail: aoliveira@abccanada.org

PSA Campaign at ABC CANADA

ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation has just launched a new television Public Service Announcement (PSA) Campaign. Developed by Ambrose Carr Linton Carroll Inc(ACLC) of Toronto, the humorous spots are designed to encourage reluctant adult learners to give literacy upgrading programs another thought and guide them in seeking assistance.

The campaign, entitled Dark Secrets, includes two spots (Clink and Consultation) that portray situations in which adults feel compelled to share a " dark secret" -- their struggle with literacy -- with a co-worker or friend.

Just as they are about to reveal this secret, their companion interrupts with a secret of his/her own. The companions' secrets are outrageous, and are intended to get a laugh, but more important, they make the point that if you have trouble with reading, writing or math, there's no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed, because there are people with much darker secrets. The spots are expected to air shortly on local television stations.

Honourable Claudette Bradshaw Appointed Minister of State (Human Resources Development)

Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Honourable Joe Volpe has appointed Claudette Bradshaw Minister of State (Human Resources Development) which includes Literacy.

A priority for her will be to continue to support the Workplace Skills Strategy and respond to the changing needs of the labour market. She states a particular interest in examining the sectors where the federal government can make a contribution to improve basic literacy skills and essential skills. She also promises to maintain the government’s commitment to Official Language Minority Communities and to support their development and provide services in the official language of their choice.

Training for the Enhancement of Online Educational Resources

If you have browsed the NALD Literacy Collection (www.nald.ca/CLR/search/) recently, you may have noticed that some of the listings have a CASP logo which means that the document has been evaluated and is recommended for adult learning by literacy coordinators and instructors of the Community Academic Services Program (CASP) in New Brunswick. Each document has received a star rating, with 5 stars being the highest.

By clicking on “See Practitioner Evaluation,” you will be taken to a page of information about the document. This information was provided by the evaluators, and includes details about the subject area, for whom it is intended, what format it is in and how appealing it is likely to be to students.