International Literacy Day Book Sale

Clarenville HRDC staff, in partners with I Random North Development Association, I helped celebrate International Literacy Day for the second year in a row by holding a "Used Book Sale" on September 7th. The day was deemed a tremendous success with over 1000 books being distributed. Due to the huge amount of book donations from staff, partners and the local library, a second sale was possible and held at the local mall on Saturday, October 6th.

Total proceeds of $420.00 will be donated to the Vista Family Resource Centre which offers a variety of educational programs for families of children aged 0-6 years. The Centre was established in 1999 by the Bonavista Area Literacy Focus Group.

The Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador was pleased to co-host Senator Joyce Fairbairn during her visit to St. John's, NF. As was the case during the rest of the provincial tour, there were many sites to visit within a short time frame. However, Senator Fairbairn was determined to meet as many learners as possible while visiting the various sites in the city. Despite a very hectic schedule, the Senator was eager to meet the people on the front lines of literacy and hear their stories.

Signing the International Literacy Day Proclamation

The first site on the Senators' schedule was the Rabbittown Learners Program. The Senator was joined at this site by Ms. Linda Coles, Executive Director of Literacy, Strategic Literacy Branch and Ms. Della Coish, Director of the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. At the Centre, the Senator spoke to the learners and staff and encouraged them to stay committed to the literacy cause. Her words reflected her deep sense of caring for learners and a genuine concern that programs continue operating to address learner needs. She also applauded the dedication of the learners and inspired all in attendance.

Following the visit to the Rabbittown Learners Program, Senator Fairbairn visited Teachers on Wheels, another well-known adult literacy organization serving St.

John's and surrounding areas. The Senator congratulated Teachers on Wheels on its long history of service in the literacy field (over 25 years!) and acknowledged the importance of groups offering one-to-one literacy instruction.

The next item on the Senator's itinerary was a reception at Government House. Here, the Senator met with His Honor, Dr. A. M House, Lieutenant Governor and numerous other literacy advocates. This function was in collaboration with the Health and Literacy Conference that was being held at that time. The first day of the Senator's visit to St. John's was completed with a dinner engagement at Canon Wood Hall.

The final day of the Senator's visit included participating in the launch of the 'Read and Succeed' Campaign and the signing of the International Literacy Day Proclamation, with the Honorable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Education. Later, the Senator attended a lunch hosted by the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador thanks Senator Fairbairn for including Newfoundland and Labrador in her busy schedule and for taking the time to visit learners and programs across the province. We also extend warm wishes to the Senator and thank her for her dedication to and support of the literacy cause in Newfoundland and Labrador.