BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
2013 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipients
Further Education Society – Alberta
Calgary’s Further Education Society (FES) demonstrates outstanding innovation and excellence in literacy. Each year FES delivers 80 programs and assists 800 individuals, including Aboriginal, English language and financial literacy learners, as well as domestic violence victims. FES focuses on formalized learning, employment opportunities and community participation by collaborating with over 35 partners, such as women’s shelters, new immigrant centres and remand centres. FES “envisions a Canada where every man, woman and child reaches their potential, where every parent gets the help he or she needs, where there are no barriers to learning.” The Society is a pillar of excellence for Alberta learners and the adult literacy system.
Powell River Public Library – British Columbia
Described as “the little library that could”, Powell River Public Library (PRPL) exemplifies the positive impact that partnerships and collaborations have in supporting literacy throughout their community. PRPL engages a wide range of community partners to develop, deliver and support literacy programs for all ages across their region. Partners include, among others, StrongStart, Powell River School District, Powell River Youth Centre, Ahms Tah Ow First Nations School, Vancouver Island University and Vancouver Coastal Health. Through these collaborations, PRPL and their partners are able to offer a diverse selection of literacy-related activities, appealing to a variety of learning styles. PRPL demonstrates leadership in literacy, ongoing collaboration and partnerships as well as a learner-centred approach that contributes to positive literacy outcomes throughout the community.
Amanda Morhart – Manitoba
Amanda Morhart entered a literacy program at the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre in September 2012. Through her hard work and dedication she has made significant progress toward her dream of attaining her high school diploma. Morhart is a full-time mother of three, works part-time and regularly attends classes where she is upgrading her literacy skills and taking high school credit courses. As her skills have improved and confidence in her abilities has grown, she has become an active learner and volunteer at the Centre, assisting with the open house, breakfast program and fundraising for graduation. Morhart also volunteers as a Boy Scout leader and her poem “Pain” was recently published in the Write On magazine. Morhart is both a role model and an inspiration to her children and to other students.
Mary Hill – New Brunswick
Mary Hill had her first taste of adult literacy education 20 years ago and she found that adult learners were appreciative and interested in learning just about everything! Over the years, Hill has been a part of the success of the Community Adult Learning Program in the St. Stephen area, greatly impacting the students with whom she has worked. Students report that she always makes learning interesting and enjoyable and she is very patient and inspirational. It is Hill’s support and guidance that convinces her students that all is possible. She says she continues to enjoy her role as an adult educator, “helping my learners realize that they are important members of our community and that they can achieve their educational and career-related goals.”