The following story was written by Sandy Harte, from New Waterford, Nova Scotia. Sandy is enrolled in literacy classes in the New Waterford Day Class, which is a member of the Cape Breton Literacy Network.

In March of 2002 I decided to go back to school and I joined the New Waterford Day Class run by the Cape Breton Literacy Network. I came back to school because I want to learn to read and write. I would like to be able to help my children and I would someday like to have a good job. This is a big step for me. I want to get my driver’s license so this is a good place to start.

[This story was taken with permission, from Education & Learning, April 2002, a newsletter published by the Cape Breton Literacy Network.]

Literacy Gala  and  Print Media Award
at the
Literacy Development Council of
Newfoundland and Labrador

Literacy Gala
In celebration of International Literacy Day, the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador and many other friends of adult literacy in the province joined forces to host a special literacy gala. The event, made possible through the financial support of the Literacy Development Council and numerous in-kind contributions was a resounding success.

The literacy gala included the launch of a book of writings by adult literacy learners from across Canada. The book, titled Voices of Canadian Literacy was compiled and edited by Lee Weinstein. Lee has worked extensively in the literacy field and is known by many as the editor of Voices magazine. Voices magazine has featured the stories of learners from across the country and has featured learners from the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador and has featured the photography of Peter Gard.

The event took place at the Resource Centre for the Arts Gallery, in St. John’s, NL and was kicked off by a performance by local jazz group, The Dogberries. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to take in a gallery viewing of prints from the Voices publications and to listen to adult learner readings and words from editor Lee Weinstein. Other special guests included Senator Joan Cook, who brought greetings from the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, the Honourable Jane Stewart and award-winning author Michael Crummey (River Thieves).

The event wrapped up with an art auction, during which the prints on display and other donated items were offered for purchase. Auction proceeds will be returned directly to the literacy community in the form of grants to cover the costs associated with book and materials purchases.

The Literacy Development Council thanks everyone who attended and contributed to the tremendous success of the event.

Literacy Development Council Presents 2002 Print Media Award

The Print Media Award is sponsored by the Literacy Development Council to recognize the contribution of a Newfoundland and Labrador newspaper in raising the profile of literacy through its coverage of literacy news and events.   This year, the winner of the award was The Georgian, a Stephenville-based newspaper. The award was presented in St. John’s, at the Canada Post Literacy Awards ceremony on September 12, 2002.

The award recognizes publications that regularly carry important literacy news; features literacy stories and offers the public information on literacy activities in the community. Winners of this award recognize and report on literacy events, giving literacy important exposure in the mainstream media.

Each year, nominations for the PRINT Media Award are accepted from community stakeholders throughout the province. Nominations are reviewed by a panel of judges who then determine which of the candidates will receive the award.

The Georgian’s coverage of local literacy news demonstrated a strong commitment to literacy and illustrated the ease at which literacy awareness can be improved when the media and literacy stakeholders work together to reach the public.

Della Coish, Executive Director of the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador extended congratulations to The Georgian on behalf of the Literacy Development Council and the many stakeholders throughout the province with whom the Council works. The Literacy Development Council views the print media as one of its many partners in improving literacy awareness and access to information and hopes to nurture the relationship between literacy stakeholders and the print media by honouring those who demonstrate a commitment to the literacy cause.

For more information:
Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador,
P.O. Box 8174, Station A, St. John’s, NL A1B 3M9
Tel. 1-800-563-1111 or (709) 738-7323, Fax (709) 738-7353
www.nald.ca/nfldlit.htm