National Adult Literacy Database

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning is very pleased to be able to report on a number of CONFINTEA VI follow-up activities within and across countries during the first half of 2011.

Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax will host a series of speakers, workshops and public events this fall and next winter that will examine the question: “How do we read the world?" Titled ‘Literacy as Ways of Knowing,’ the series will explore the many ways literacy is interpreted, how it is defined, what it looks and sounds like, and how various forms and mediums of literacy affect our lives.

A lack of basic reading skills could be putting vulnerable people’s health at risk in Wales, according to a new report.

Canada Post has announced the finalists for its 2011 Community Literacy Awards. In two categories, Individual Achievement and Educator, finalists were chosen by a committee of judges from Canada Post from entries submitted from across the country. Literacy advocates from organizations across Canada will determine the ultimate winners.

The project was a collaboration of Alberta Employment & Immigration, the Wetaskiwin Community Literacy Program, the City of Wetaskiwin and the Wetaskiwin Public Library.

Twenty-three English schools across Quebec have reinvented themselves as part of the movement in the province’s English education system to become community schools. It’s a concept that involves forging partnerships with community-based groups.

The BBC is reporting that a UK entrepreneur has discovered that spelling errors on a website can cut online sales in half. Misspellings, it seems, are a red flag for consumers who might have concerns about a website’s credibility.

Dr. Tom Tavares, an organizational psychologist and published author, joins The Niagara Institute as its new chief assessor. He will report to Maureen O’Brien who recently joined the organization as executive director and member of the executive team at the Conference Board of Canada.

The bursaries are for adults who did not finish Grade 12 in the public school system and who are currently enrolled in, or planning to attend, an adult upgrading program. The scholarships are for adults who have completed their Grade 12 through an adult learning program, and are going on to, or continuing in college, university, or a trades and technology program.

This individual will work with the Calgary-based team to develop, market and deliver workshops on topics such as literacy awareness, plain language communications, and essential skills for living, learning and working in a variety of settings across the province.

Premier Christy Clark has announced that Dee McRae of Houston, B.C., is the recipient of the 2011 Council of the Federation Literacy Award, recognizing her significant contribution to improving adult literacy in the province.

UNB in Fredericton has conducted research into financial camps for young people, including a program developed by Merrill Lynch and Sesame Street. The university has designed 15 modules to start them early on the road to financial success.

Canada’s premiers have announced the recipients of the seventh annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award. Presented in each province and territory, the award celebrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. The winners are...

NALD dedicates this report to all Canadians who embrace the significant role that technology plays in learning, communication, collaboration and professional development within the field of literacy and essential skills.

Canadians across the country have a new opportunity to recognize the exceptional contributions volunteers make in their communities. Nominations for the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards will be accepted until September 9, 2011.