The Chairperson of the Literacy Development Council recently announced the development of a strategic literacy plan for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dr. William Fagan says the Council recognizes the importance of public input on such an important issue and plans to release a public consultation paper on the Strategic Provincial Literacy Plan.

The purpose of the paper is to make residents familiar with the Council's mandated responsibilities and provide a vehicle for meaningful input in the development of the literacy plan.

We intend to have face-to-face consultations with literacy stakeholders and the general public throughout the province," says Dr. Fagan.

The announcement was made on International Literacy Day, September 8.

Also attending the news conference was Education Minister Roger Grimes.

The development of a Strategic Provincial Literacy Plan will provide a mechanism for the forging of new partnerships and the strengthening of existing relationships to address the literacy needs of the people of the provinces says Mr. Grimes.

Shared Effort Ensures Educational Program
for Correctional Inmates
Inmates at the Bishop's Falls Correctional Centre are reaping the benefits of educational partnerships. The Department of Justice, the College of the North Atlantic, The Literacy Development Council, the local Laubach Chapter, the John Howard Society, PLATO and the Correctional Services of Canada are all working together to ensure inmates access to educational opportunities.

Each agency fulfills a specific role in the operation of a reaming centre that is filled with diverse educational opportunities. Limited educational services had been available at the Centre since 1987. In 1989, with support from the National Literacy Secretariat, the Central Newfoundland Community College established full- time instruction in a makeshift environment. The success of this program was paramount in the Department of Justice's decision to build a modem classroom and adequate storage space to support the now well established reaming centre. Today the Centre boasts a modern classroom facility, computers equipped with PLATO software as well as other current programs, resource materials, furniture designed and built by the inmates themselves, and a full-time instructor.

Instructor Charlene Eveleigh and Assistant Superintendent George Head review the educational program. Reg Hamilton Photo

This venture is an excellent example of how true partnerships can work. The following information illustrates specifically how each agency contributes. Note that different agencies play different roles, some minor, some major, and not necessarily at the same time throughout the operation of the program. Most important is the fact that they all come together when needed.

The Department of Justice: provision of classroom, furniture and partial salary of instructor, administration of teaching unit, general operating supplies, travel, telephone and fax.

College of the North Atlantic: assistance with assessment, certification for Adult Basic Education courses, assistance with staff hiring, resource lending service, in servicing.

Literacy Development Council: consultation with instructor, coordination with outside agencies, support to inmates as to educational opportunities upon release, the awarding of grants to support the continued operation of the reaming centre.

The John Howard Society: the supply of computer equipment, inmate counselling support services, transitional services back into the community.

Local Laubach Chapter: individual tutoring support when requested from instructor, follow-up services for inmates.

PLATO: computer program support, in servicing.

Correctional Services of Canada: Inmate counselling, assistance with inmate transition back into the community.

This spirit of cooperation is helping inmates become more equipped to succeed in the outside world. The Centre boasts numerous success stories of inmates since its opening. For more information about the specific details of this program you may call Assistant Superintendent George Head or Instructor Charlene Eveleigh at (709) 258- 6966.