ABC CANADA celebrates International Literacy Day
Ce document est disponible en français
<
p style="text-align:center;">
Toronto, September 5, 2008 – September 8 is International Literacy Day, a day dedicated to promoting lifelong learning to the nearly 774 million adults, around the world, who struggle with literacy. In Canada there are more than nine million individuals who face various degrees of literacy challenges and today we encourage them and all Canadians to upgrade their skills.
In today’s work force, the required skills and education levels are increasing, yet millions of people lack essential skills. International Literacy Day is a day for potential learners to take the next step to seek help and upgrade their skills.
“There are many ways to increase your literacy skills just by doing everyday activities. This is especially important for adults because we lose skills as we age,” says Margaret Eaton, President, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation. Canada has hundreds of literacy organizations that provide free tutoring services to help people upgrade their skills. People looking to seek help in upgrading their literacy and educational skills can look under LEARN in the Yellow Pages to find various literacy organizations in their area dedicated to educating people of all backgrounds.
Several adult learners across the country have already taken the first step and have been recognized for their courageous steps to improve their skills. Each year learners are celebrated at the Peter Gzowski Invitational (PGI) Golf Tournaments for Literacy. Founded by the late journalist Peter Gzowski, each province hosts a tournament in partnership with a local literacy organization and rewards an adult learner with The Co-operator’s Learner Achievement award. Winners receive $200, an engraved pen and a certificate for their hard work, dedication and success.
“Overcoming the inability to read or write is a daunting task. And yet, The Co-operators has had the distinct pleasure of recognizing many individuals who have done just that,” says Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO, The Co-operators. “Through The Co-operators PGI Learner Achievement Award we have shone the light on dozens of dedicated and deserving adults from every province who have achieved their dream of literacy despite insurmountable odds.”
These are a few of the winners of The Co-operator’s Learner Achievement Award:
Kevin Mardell, Literacy BC
Nicole LaChapelle, Calgary Learning Centre
Shawneen Short, Frontier College
Jordan Clouthier, Ottawa Community Coalition for Literacy
Anne Marie Casey, Literacy Nova Scotia
Simone Arsenault, PEI Literacy Alliance
Linda Sampson, Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador
Victoria Drybones, NWT Literacy Council
Emil Beaudoin, Yukon Learn Society
“More and more adult learners like the recipients of The Co-operator’s Learner Achievement Award are realizing the importance of skills training and are getting the education they need to succeed,” says Eaton. “It is a big step to address a learning concern and seek help, but once you do the possibilities are endless.”
International Literacy Day was created by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in the early 1960s to raise awareness about adult literacy worldwide. This year’s theme focuses on the important relationship between literacy and health.
To find more information on International Literacy Day, or where you can celebrate in your area, please visit www.nald.ca or www.unesco.org.
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation is Canada’s private-sector voice championing adult literacy. The national charity envisions a Canada where individuals, regardless of their circumstances, are provided the opportunities to increase the skills that prepare people for realizing their full potential at work, at home and in the community. To learn more about literacy, visit www.abc-canada.org.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Ashley Tilley
Communications Co-ordinator
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
416-218-0010 ext. 127
atilley@abc-canada.org
Get discounted media with the media sale!
