September 8, 2005, was proclaimed as the UN International Day of Literacy, and as a UN proclamation, all countries adopting the resolution emphasize the value of literacy for the enhancement of quality of life for their citizens. Premier John Hamm was the keynote speaker at the International Literacy Day 2005 event "Celebrating Success" which was held at the Holiday Inn, Dartmouth. Premier Hamm stated,
Crystal Simmons Receiving 2005 Council of the Federation
Literacy Award from Premier John Hamm
"So much of what makes our province a special place to live and work is built around our well-educated and highly skilled work force. And, at the core, there is no skill more fundamental to education – no skill more fundamental to success – than literacy. Strong literacy skills Crystal Simmons Receiving 2005 Council of the Federation Literacy Award from Premier John Hamm equip us to meet the demands of today and the opportunities of the future. Literacy…is more than simply reading skills. Using a computer, doing basic mathematical calculations, working with a team and solving daily problems are all essential tools that Nova Scotians need, and that some have never had the chance to acquire. As many of you know through experience, improving your literacy and essential skills isn’t an easy task. For many adults, returning to learning it is a major challenge, requiring them to balance their home and work lives to make room for their continued education."
For a single mother of two residing in Lantz, this challenge for improved learning was the desire to provide a better life for herself and her children. Crystal Simmons left school in grade 9 and found herself unable to find a well paying job. In 2002, she decided to improve her lot in life and enrolled in the Elmsdale Adult High School program sponsored by the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board. Over the next two years, she successfully acquired her high school diploma. Crystal’s hard work and perseverance paid off as she was awarded the honours of class valedictorian and recipient of the Staff Award of Excellence. Crystal was able to secure funding to attend the Nova Scotia Community College -Medical Office Assistant Program wherein she graduated with honours in June of this year. Her desire to give back to the community came in the form of volunteering to be a board member of the Hants Learning Network Association where she served as the board secretary. Following the incorporation of the East Hants Adult Learning Association in the spring of 2004, Crystal was one of the very hard working and dedicated key community volunteers who believed that promoting adult education was vital to the well being of the her community. Her dedication, drive and enthusiasm was rewarded as she was elected to the positions of Vice Chair and then as Acting Chair of the Association.
Premier Hamm presented Crystal Simmons with the 2005 Council of the Federation Literacy Award as the person who most exemplifies an outstanding adult learner in Nova Scotia and who has taken major steps to improve their literacy skills. If you were to ask Crystal what was the key factor that she embraces daily as a result of her education experiences? She would tell you that it is the "amazing opportunity to grow."
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