2005 News Releases
| April 15, 2005 |  |
New literacy award to recognize exceptional adult literacy learner
Edmonton... The first-ever Council of the Federation Literacy Award will be presented this August to an adult learner who has shown great progress in improving his or her literacy skills. Premier Ralph Klein will announce the first award recipient this August at the Council meeting in Alberta.
"All adults who have made the brave decision to improve their literacy skills deserve to be commended," said Premier Ralph Klein. "By doing so, they inspire and remind all Albertans of the importance of learning, regardless of age."
At the Council of the Federation meeting in February 2004, all of Canada's premiers agreed to create an award to increase awareness of the many achievements in literacy in each province and territory. Each year, 13 medallions and award certificates will be handed out, one in each province and territory, to acknowledge an individual or organization that has achieved excellence in literacy skills or programming. In its inaugural year, the Alberta award will be given to an adult learner who has made outstanding progress in his or her own learning, has helped others, and has overcome adversity in learning to read and write.
"Alberta has many great literacy programs for learners of all ages," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock. "This annual award will not only recognize an exceptional learner who has overcome great obstacles and become an inspiration to others while improving his or her literacy skills, but it will also bring recognition to the tremendous work done by literacy professionals around the province."
To nominate an exceptional adult literacy learner for this award, individuals must complete a nomination package, which includes a nomination form, a two-page personal story written by the nominee, and two letters of support from friends, family or those involved in the learner's literacy progress.
All nominations must be post-marked by May 31, 2005, and the winner will be notified before August 2005. A selection committee of individuals involved in literacy programs around Alberta will choose one nominee to receive the award. To download a nomination form or for more information about the award or Alberta Advanced Education and Technology's literacy programs, visit www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/other/literacy/literacy.asp.
