SASKATCHEWAN LITERACY DAY PROCLAIMED

September 8th is Saskatchewan Literacy Day.



Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel made the

proclamation at the Regina Public Library's flag-raising ceremony in Regina.



The proclamation is Saskatchewan's way of honouring and supporting a tradition

started in 1965 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO). International Literacy Day is also celebrated on

September 8. It is part of a world-wide strategy to address the social and

economic issues that result from low literacy levels.



"Literacy is the basic foundation that's necessary for people to participate

fully in Saskatchewan's social and economic life," Hagel said. "Literacy is an

important, life-long and life-fulfilling skill."



The Saskatchewan Government provides about $1.1 million a year to post-

secondary institutions and community-based organizations to deliver programs

that develop literacy skills. More than 2,500 learners participate annually in

Saskatchewan's literacy programs.



Saskatchewan Literacy Day is being marked by flag-raising ceremonies and other

local events in communities throughout the province.



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For more information, contact:



Donna Woloshyn

Program Manager, Adult Literacy

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-2513