International Literacy Day/Month

Once again the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador promoted International Literacy Day (September 8) and September as International Literacy Month. Since 1967 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has celebrated International Literacy Day.

The Literacy Development Council recognizes the contribution of all those individuals and organizations involved in the literacy movement in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Council appreciates the efforts of hundreds of literacy volunteers, the public and private colleges, the schools, community-based organizations, labour organizations, and companies involved in workplace literacy who provide both their time and expertise to assist many hundreds of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in improving their reading and writing skills.

Most important of all, the Council congratulates all learners who come forward in an effort to improve their reading and writing skills.

On September 8, 2000 the Minister of Education, Judy Foote signed a Proclamation declaring International Literacy Day. The minister noted that the Department of Education is currently carrying out a number of initiatives to promote literacy in the schools. These include creating reading specialist positions in school districts and providing professional assistance for primary teachers to support reading and writing instruction.

On International Literacy Day the Department of Education announced a contest which offers $50,000 in total prize money this year to schools throughout the province which show outstanding achievement in reading. Twenty schools will be eligible to win $2500 each in a contest called For the Love of Reading.

The Literacy Development Council sent Proclamations of International Literacy Day to all municipalities in the province. There were 20 municipalities that reported they declared the Proclamation. The Council also set up literacy displays and encouraged other literacy groups to do so. Later in September the Council and Canada Post Corporation collaborated in organizing a literacy awards event ( see pages 2 & 6).

(L-R) Mr. Brian White, Literacy Develoment Council; Ms.Luanne Leamon, Department of Education; Mr.Ed Wade, Literacy Development Council; Ms. Lucy Stoyles, Literacy Development Council; and (sitting) Hon. Judy Foote, Minister of Education