BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award Recipients
Prospect Human Services Society – Alberta
Operating in Calgary for over 20 years, Prospect Human Services Society offers language training, employment training, support for new immigrants, and support for people with disabilities, mental health conditions or challenges, and those who are experiencing homelessness. Prospect offers programs that continue to make a positive impact on the literacy, foundational learning and essential skills of adult learners. Prospect consistently raises awareness about literacy and foundational learning in its community and serves as a collaborative and resourceful information centre. In collaboration with other community organizations, Prospect continues to be committed to reducing barriers and facilitating learners’ access to programs and services and continually evolving to better address learner needs in the community.
Margaret Sutherland – British Columbia
As a leader in community literacy, Margaret Sutherland has had a tremendous and positive impact in the lives of literacy learners in B.C., helping people gain the skills they need to engage with the modern, digital world. From her beginnings as a literacy volunteer, to her most recent role as Decoda Literacy Solution’s Executive Director, she has championed literacy at the local, regional, provincial and national level for over 20 years. Throughout her varied career, she has demonstrated innovative thinking and creative, collaborative problem-solving. She has served as editor of the West Coast Reader, a monthly newspaper for literacy and English learners. Margaret continues to raise awareness and foster successful partnerships, including in the business sector, that fund and support literacy and lifelong learning throughout B.C.
Marilyn Freda Captain – Manitoba
Marilyn Freda Captain registered with the Swan River Adult Literacy Program in September 2021 at the age of 54. While exceptionally shy upon entering the classroom, she was not shy about her goal of learning to read, particularly to her grandchildren. Marilyn’s own education had been interrupted frequently – being moved as a child between foster homes – but she always dreamt of a better life for herself and her future family. She made that dream come true – her two daughters have each received their high school diplomas, and Marilyn, over the course of nine months, has learned to read. Today, Marilyn shares her newfound ability and love of reading and renewed interest in her Indigenous heritage with her neighbours, friends, family, and most importantly, her grandchildren.
Krista Stephens – Newfoundland and Labrador
Krista Stephens made the courageous and life-changing decision to return to school after 26 years away. She described her life as full of uncertainty: a young mom with limited education, personal challenges, and medical setbacks including significant vision loss. After deciding to pursue her educational goals, Krista demonstrated commitment, drive, determination and a positive attitude, excelling in her studies and receiving her high school equivalency diploma ahead of schedule. Krista wants the world to know that no matter how old, how many obstacles faced, or how difficult life’s circumstances, that it is never too late to improve one’s literacy skills. Krista is now completing a post-secondary program in Office Administration and Technology and hopes that her story can inspire others to pursue literacy.
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