LITERACY PROJECTS RECEIVE PROVINCIAL FUNDING

Fifteen community partnerships from across Saskatchewan are receiving $535,000 from the SaskSmart Innovations Fund to address local literacy needs.

Communities that will benefit from the SaskSmart Innovations Fund include: Regina; Nipawin, Tisdale, Hudson Bay and Melfort area; Black Lake First Nation; Kipling, Kennedy and Langbank area; Ocean Man First Nation and Estevan; Saskatoon; Yorkton, Melville and Weyburn area; Fort Qu'Appelle; Gravelbourg; Sandy Bay; Hazlet and Whitecap Dakota First Nation.

"The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the important role literacy plays in building a foundation for a strong province and a vibrant economy," Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz said. "Through initiatives such as the SaskSmart Innovations Fund, the Ministry of Education supports organizations in providing literacy programs, services and initiatives that meet the needs of the community."

This year, seven community partnerships are receiving funding to implement Community Literacy Plans, and six organizations are receiving $10,000 each to support the development of a viable Community Literacy Plan in 2010-11. The Saskatchewan Literacy Network and the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network are also receiving grants to provide consultative services and direct support to the thirteen organizations receiving funding.

The SaskSmart Innovations Fund was established in 2006 to provide financial assistance to organizations and communities who wish to pursue innovative and sustainable ways to address family and workplace literacy.

More information on the SaskSmart Innovations Fund, including the application process, is available on the Ministry of Education's website at http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/literacy/funding/sasksmart-innovations-fund/.

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca