BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
2015 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipients
Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association – Alberta
The Taber and District Community Adult Learning Association (TDCALA) has been providing innovative programs in literacy and essential skills training for 43 years. In the last 15 years, Alberta’s population has changed and so has TDCALA’s programming. Working collaboratively, the Association has made a positive impact on the community through its family and adult literacy programs and work foundations. In addition, they also provide English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) training, including an ESL drop-in centre, one-on-one tutoring and the Families Learning Together program. TDCALA demonstrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy by providing seamless pathways to learning.
Helen Domshy – British Columbia
As a lifelong learner, Helen Domshy has worn many hats. She has had a lengthy and successful career as a medical imagist with specific interest in women’s health, pursued further education in gender studies, and has been a vital part of Prince George as the community’s literacy outreach coordinator. Since 2008, Domshy has worked tirelessly to develop and nurture community connections between learners, services, and agencies. She has built community capacity by offering plain and clear language workshops, coordinating training for dozens of volunteer tutors and creating locally relevant programs and materials for learners. Domshy has been successful in promoting a broad and intersectional definition of literacy that empowers people in all aspects of their lives.
Pauline Petti – Manitoba
Pauline Petti has participated in the adult literacy program at LiteracyWORKS Inc. since October 2012. Petti worked for 30 years in the health care field and, after retiring, she began the program at Stage 1 with a basic understanding of reading and writing. With perseverance and hard work she progressed to Stage 2. Despite health issues she remained motivated and continued to attend classes. Petti has made significant progress in her writing and is now comfortable reading a variety of texts. With increased confidence, and a goal of achieving her grade 12 diploma, she has mentored younger Aboriginal students and has become a volunteer in the community at church services and pow wows. Petti is an inspiration and a role model to other students.
Mélanie Massé – New Brunswick
As the mother of three young children, Mélanie Massé found the courage and determination to go back to school and earn her General Educational Development (GED) diploma. Despite a few bumps along the road, she found ways to overcome obstacles in order to fulfill her dream of being accepted into the Intervention Techniques for Offenders program. Using her life experience, Massé wants to help young people get back on the right track and realize their dreams. Making her dream a reality, she started college in the fall of 2015. Massé is a real source of inspiration for others, showing that with motivation and perseverance, anything is possible.