The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation confers international recognition on NALD

From Left : David Walden, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO; Charles Ramsey, Executive Director of NALD; Senator Joyce Fairbairn

During the Conference Board of Canada's Literacy Best Practices Conference, UNESCO conferred upon the nationally acclaimed National Adult Literacy Database Inc. (NALD) the International Reading Association's Literacy Award - Honourable Mention. This is the first time in the history of UNESCO that an organisation's presence on the Internet has ever received such a mark of distinction.

In introducing the award, Mr. David A. Walden, the Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO stated: "(We are) proud that Canada's submission for this year's Literacy Prize - NALD - has been selected ... By making information about literacy programming, services, events, awards, and most importantly, resources that can be used to advance learning, NALD provides readily accessible information for Canadians, and the world."

Senator Joyce Fairbairn, Canada's Special Advisor for Literacy, presented the award. The Senator has the unique vantage point of being well acquainted with NALD. She has been an ardent advocate and supporter for the organisation over many years. "I first heard of NALD in my early days as a Minister... NALD (has a history) that just makes you feel good when you wake up in the morning. It is a 'success against all odds' kind of story."

continued on page 2