Canada’s Premiers Announce 2017 Literacy Award Recipients

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
2017 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipients

Lethbridge Public Library – Alberta
The Lethbridge Public Library has provided family and adult literacy programs for over 30 years. The capacity and ability of the organization to respond to current community literacy and foundational learning needs is reflected in its program growth. During the past 13 years, through its volunteer-supported Read on Adult Literacy Program, 2,670 adult learners have increased their literacy and essential skills levels, and many have continued on to post-secondary learning. To connect with and better serve First Nation, Métis, and Inuit peoples living in Lethbridge and the surrounding area, the library has engaged in partnerships with a number of organizations, including Indigenous partners, to develop and deliver three Indigenous programs designed to improve literacy skills and celebrate Indigenous traditions, language, and culture.

Project Literacy Kelowna Society – British Columbia
Project Literacy Kelowna Society was the first independent literacy organization chartered in British Columbia. The organization provides a wide range of learning opportunities to over 400 people annually across the Central Okanagan Region with the support of its 150 volunteers. Project Literacy Kelowna Society provides free tutoring in reading, writing, language proficiency, digital literacy, math skills and financial literacy to families from different national and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, it takes into account learners’ different needs, objectives and learning styles to customize an educational experience that best fits them. Project Literacy Kelowna Society promotes life-long learning, instilling literacy skills while building community ties.

Christian Haines – Manitoba
Christian Haines enrolled in upgrading classes in 2015 with two goals in mind: to successfully write his General Educational Development (GED) high school equivalency tests and to enrol in courses in preparation for a career in addictions counselling. As Haines made significant strides in the program, his confidence increased. As a single parent, he not only persisted with attending literacy classes, but also became a peer tutor and enrolled in additional courses to further his literacy skills and personal development. In an effort to assist the community with a growing Fentanyl drug problem, he shared his story with the media. Recently, Haines obtained his GED certificate and he is now enrolled to train as an addictions counselor.

Lise Beaulieu – New Brunswick
Lise Beaulieu, who is blind, has been an instructor for 15 years at the Centre d’apprentissage adapté pour adultes at the Atelier Tournesol in Edmundston. She implemented the Braille Literacy Program in the northwest, which has four levels: introduction to pre-braille, learning braille, specialized computer, and the logistics of the iPhone. Beaulieu helps people with visual barriers to improve their reading and writing skills, as well as their knowledge in how to access post-secondary training or a job. Aware that it is important to respect the learners’ pace and their differences, she delivers the program according to their needs and level of knowledge, while showing them the many opportunities that are open to them. Beaulieu conveys courage, strength of character, and resilience to the learners through her teaching.

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