The philosophy of "Each One Teach One" continues to catch on in Newfoundland and Labrador as new Laubach Literacy chapters are formed each year.

"Literacy in our province has increasingly become a collaborative effort," says Carol Ann Farrell. "This is reflected in the partnerships many councils are forming to meet their local literacy needs. Ms. Farrell, past-president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council, made the comments during the group's annual general meeting recently held at Gander. Approximately 70 people attended the two-day conference.

New councils have been formed in Moreton's Harbour, Englee and Port Saunders. There are now 23 councils operating in the province.

The two day conference included several workshops focusing on such topics as Building a Learning Culture in the Home; Math and Focus on Phonics; and Marketing Strategies for Books for Babies.

Guest speakers were Wayne Taylor, Executive Director of The Literacy Development Council, and Bessie Merrigan, President of the Humber Literacy Council.

Ms. Merrigan gave a presentation outlining the operation of Laubach Literacy of Canada. According to Ms. Merrigan, financial support from the federal and provincial governments is essential to Laubach. The Humber president also spoke about the importance of having volunteers who are willing to take an active role in Laubach.

The late Shirley Hickey was recently honoured by The Rabbittown Learners Program during the group's annual awards banquet in St. John's. Ms. Hickey passed away in November 1994.

It was on May 2, 1988 that Ms. Hickey and Francis Ennis established the Rabbittown Learners Program. Ms. Hickey worked as the program's co-ordinator from 1991 until 1994.

In a tribute to her, friends remembered Shirley Hickey as a visionary with an inspiration to help people of all ages and walks of life.

Over the years, Ms.Hickey was instrumental in the establishment of the Rabbit-town Community Centre. Thanks to her hard work, the people of Rabbittown have a community centre of which they can be proud.

"With the passing of Shirley Hickey, Rabbittown has lost its greatest daughter, but in the hearts and minds of those who knew her, she will live on forever," wrote a friend.

Presentations

A number of awards were presented during the evening. Rick Baldwin was presented with the Memorial Award for 1995-96. It was presented to Mr. Baldwin by the previous winner, John Churchill.

Doris Hapgood, Ann Abbott and Betty Gabriel were each presented with Tutor Awards. Achievement certificates were presented to learners for various subjects.

Guest speakers at the ceremony included Ms. Ennis, Education Planning and Design; Wayne Taylor, Executive Director, Literacy Development Council; and Lloyd Matthews, MHA for St. John's North.