Council in Profile

Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

Carol Ann Farrell

Carol Ann Farrell says she is honoured to be a member of the Literacy Development Council.

"I believe, very much, in the need for such a council and feel privileged to be able to take the insights gained over the past few years and bring them to this service," she says.

The mother of two has been involved in literacy most of her working life, having taught in Newfoundland, Quebec and Alberta. She became involved in adult education eight years ago while teaching Career Exploration courses at Eastern College.

"This gave me insight into the challenges adults face when returning to school and an appreciation for their determination and ability," she says.

Ms. Farrell joined Laubach Literacy five years ago through her work at The Learn for Tomorrow Centre in Marystown. There she worked closely with literacy students, volunteer tutors and other council members. She was elected to the provincial executive of The Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council and served as vice-president. This was followed by a two-year term as provincial president from 1994-96.

"This was an exciting time provincially as literacy awareness was quite high and many communities took part by forming new councils," she says. "Through Laubach, I had the opportunity to meet and work with literacy supporters throughout the province and the country. I was also given the opportunity to work on various projects with other groups involved with literacy.

However, Ms. Farrell says her most rewarding experience occurs while helping adults improve their reading skills and being open to the many things the learners teach her.

Through the support of her husband Bill, and "an understanding employer," Ms. Farrell serves in various capacities with the Literacy Development Council. She is a member of the Council's Strategic Planning Committee and Tutor Training Committee.

"I am very proud of the accomplishments the Council has made so far," she says. "I often wish things could move faster, but I realize that a good foundation needs to be laid with care if it is to last."

It is particularly gratifying to see employees at Abitibi-Price recognize the needs of learners. Eleven thousand five hundred dollars will go a long way in helping learners realize their educational goals. The goals of learners are very often determined by their financial resources. Hats off to Abitibi-Price and its employees for providing this educational opportunity!

Let's hope that Abitibi-Price's example will lead other corporations and unions to join the road to literacy improvement. At a time when most educational institutions are spending much valued time reacting to budget cuts, corporate donations are welcome and timely. It is important to recognize that we all have a responsibility to education, government does not have the resources to carry the full load. Education is truly a community responsibility.

In the near future, the Council will be approaching stakeholders to assist with the development of a provincial literacy database. This work is being done with support from the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD), the National Literacy Secretariat and the Department of Education. Provincial literacy stakeholders will be contacted by phone and asked to provide information about their organization. This work will be of great benefit to the literacy community, your co-operation will help all of us work towards the continued improvement of literacy programs and services.

As you read The Notepad it is easy to get a sense of commitment front stakeholders. Cooperative efforts and a strong sense of sharing are evident throughout. This cooperative spirit will go a long way to improve the opportunities for those wishing to improve their literacy skills. My congratulations to all those who contributed to this edition. The Council invites the entire literacy community to share their success stories. You can submit articles by contacting the Council at this address. Literacy Notepad, 5
Bayley Street, Grand Fails-Windsor, NF. A2A 2T5