Appointment of New Chair

The Literacy Development Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Bessie Merrigan as Chair of the Literacy Development Council. Bessie was born and educated in Newfoundland and has been involved in the education field since 1964 and has taught all grades from kindergarten to Level III.

In 1989, she moved from the secondary school system to the post-secondary system and became co-ordinator and instructor of Adult Basic Education (ABE) with the college system. During this time, she was introduced to the Laubach Literacy of Canada (LLC), first as a tutor, then as a volunteer tutor trainer travelling to various parts of Newfoundland and Labrador. As a trainer, she has met national standards and is certified by LLC as a Supervising Tutor Trainer. She has been involved with Laubach Literacy of Canada's Summer Reading for Fun program for 11 years. Bessie served on Laubach Literacy of Canada's National Board for five years in various capacities and is currently provincial president of Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council. She has worked- with the Humber Literacy Council since 1990, as a tutor and trainer, president from 1994 -1999, and has initiated various fundraising activities such as "Loonies for Literacy" and "Walk for Literacy". As a member of the Humber Literacy Council Bessie has been the driving force behind the formation of the Books for Babies^® program and in the expansion of that program to other areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bessie's most recent involvement with literacy has been as a member of the Literacy Development Council. Her commitment to literacy is evident not only in her volunteer work but also in her personal and work life. She believes problems with literacy in society can be reduced through reading to children from birth.

As a mother and most recently grandmother, she has instilled in her family a love of reading and a thirst for knowledge which she attempts to promote to others that she meets on both a professional and community services level. She has a proven track record in working with people throughout the country and has proven her leadership capabilities in both her professional and volunteer life.

Honourary Chair - Literacy Endowment Fund

Ms. June Alteen has been appointed Honourary Chair of the Literacy Endowment Fund. Both the provincial and the federal governments have contributed $1 million to the fund, which will be managed by the Literacy Development Council. Ms. Alteen's role will be to raise matching funds from the private sector that will be used for adult literacy initiatives. Ms. Alteen is not a newcomer to the field of education, or to business. She has been a volunteer with various school boards in the province for nine years and is active in education on a national level, serving on various committees and working groups. The Literacy Development Council extends a warm welcome to Ms. Alteen.