by Dave Kearsey
Western Star Staff Writer

Corner Brook - Being able to read a good book or write a letter to a friend is a privilege.

There are thousands of people from a variety of backgrounds and age groups who don't know what it's like to be functional in two skills most people take for granted.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council, which operates under the umbrella of Laubach Literacy of Canada, shared ideas on how illiteracy can be tackled at its 1998 annual general meeting and conference in Corner Brook this past weekend.

The annual conference, which was hosted by the Humber Literacy Council for the first time, featured workshops on topics such as learning disabilities and how to be a community volunteer and wrapped up with a banquet Saturday night at the Glynmill Inn.

One of the highlights of the banquet was Mary Hartson of Corner Brook being selected the 1998 volunteer of the year. Hartson couldn't read or write at the age of 56 but has come out of the darkness thanks to the help and support she received from tutors and volunteers with the Humber Literacy Council and Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council.

Today, after 10 years of commitment to her goal and a wealth of supporters at her side, Hartson is the student tutor co-ordinator for the Humber Literacy Council and student representative on the Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council. "I have to thank Laubach Literacy for this privilege tonight because without them I would have still been in darkness because that's exactly what life is like when you're illiterate," Hartson said. "You're in darkness, you're in a tunnel and you're hoping to see the light at the other end."

"I certainly intend to go ahead and continue to achieve my education .... to complete it as far as my knowledge and Laubach will help me to do. And with all of the support I have I certainly think that's going to be possible and much easier that I had realized."

She also passed on words of encouragement to the learners attending the conference. "Don't look back, keep on going and have a positive attitude because that's what's going to help you achieve your goals," she said.

The Literacy Development Council is presently developing a number of brochures to accompany our newly designed promotional kits, Any suggestions or ideas for themes, topics, and/or samples of brochures which you feel would benefit the literacy community, please forward them to Don McDonald at 1-800-563-1111 or (dmcdonal@publib.nf.ca).

The council is presently compiling a volunteer list. If you are interested in offering your services to the Council, please Call 1-800-563-1111. From time to time, Council may require representation at conferences, assistance with fundraising, sharing of your literacy expertise, etc. Should You wish to offer your services. we would appreciate hearing from you.