BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
2011 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipients
Amber Kidd – Alberta
Amber Kidd had a desire to improve her employment situation to provide a better life and to be a role model for her four children. She set her sights on becoming a heavy equipment operator but was stalled when she was unable to pass the math component of the entrance exam. Kidd began an intense learning program with tutors from the Project Adult Literacy Society (PALS) in Edmonton, Alberta. Her undaunted personal effort, despite many challenges, gave her the math literacy skills she needed to pass the entrance exam and enter to program that would allow her to reach her goals. Thanks to her improved literacy skills, Kidd is not only employed as a heavy equipment operator but she is also able help her children with their homework and can apply her numeracy learning to her daily life.
Dee McRae – British Columbia
Dee McRae has been a valuable addition to Northwest Community College since 1994, first as an Adult Basic Education instructor, and then as Regional Literacy Coordinator. McRae has contributed to the development and funding of numerous community adult literacy programs. At the school district level, McRae was instrumental in piloting one of the province’s first district literacy plans in 2007. In addition, McRae has authored publications, practitioner research reports and manuals specific to working in northern, remote-rural and aboriginal communities. McRae’s unwavering commitment to literacy in BC is remarkable, contributing to a more literate society by changing the way community literacy services are delivered; designing and delivering innovative tutor training; and influencing how literacy progress is measured locally and provincially.
Michael Moore – Manitoba
Michael Moore kept the seriousness of his literacy problem hidden from everyone. He developed day-to-day strategies, often saying “You do it, I’ve forgotten my glasses”. To become a bus driver, he orally memorized all 75 rules and regulations. In his 40s Moore, claiming a visual problem, asked the phone operator to help him find a literacy class. He contacted LiteracyWORKS where a tutor worked with him for three years. With increased confidence and literacy skills, Moore is now pursuing a college diploma to become a counsellor, serves on the Winnipeg Transit Critical Crisis Team and volunteers with the local suicide prevention hot-line. Moore is a fabulous example of what courage and perseverance can do.
A.L. Gullison Disaster Kleenup Ltd., Larry Gullison (President) – New Brunswick
A.L. Gullison Disaster Kleenup Ltd. is a community-minded business that believes in the power of literacy education. The company has demonstrated that belief by supporting their employees with further education and training. Larry Gullison allowed participants to attend two hours of training per week as paid work time, which for a busy construction and disaster cleanup company is no small accomplishment. Gullison provided encouragement to his staff throughout the training and even attended the first session himself to set a positive example. A.L. Gullison Disaster Kleenup Ltd. is an exceptional employer that demonstrates commitment to literacy education by providing a significant amount of human and financial resources and has promoted the importance of life-long learning to A.L. Gullison employees and to the community.