PROVINCE COMMITS $1.1 MILLION TO LITERACY

Increasing literacy levels and reducing high school drop out rates are critical to improving job opportunities for Saskatchewan people. That's the message that Learning Minister Andrew Thomson has for Saskatchewan residents on International Literacy Day.

"I am pleased that our government has committed $1.1 million this year to support community-based literacy programs and services across Saskatchewan," Thomson said. "This includes $300,000 in support of family literacy and will allow over 4,000 people to access community-based literacy programs funded by the provincial government."

Thomson is currently representing Canada at the 47th session of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) International Conference of Education in Geneva. He has proclaimed September 8th as International Literacy Day in Saskatchewan in support of UNESCO's work to highlight the importance of literacy.

"Being a part of this conference has highlighted that, in comparison to the rest of the world, Saskatchewan provides a high degree of access to learning opportunities for citizens both in the school system and throughout life," Thomson said. "Ensuring that people have the literacy skills needed to fully participate in society is important to supporting our province's continued economic and social development."

"Improving literacy is important because we are seeing an increasing need in our labour market for higher literacy levels and educational qualifications," Thomson said. "The development of a literacy strategy, which we are working on together with our community partners, will help us stay competitive both nationally and internationally."

Literacy events are taking place throughout the province. In Saskatoon, Crown Management Board Minister Pat Atkinson is attending the Saskatoon Literacy Coalition's International Literacy Day celebrations at the SIAST Kelsey campus. Regina Walsh Acres MLA Sandra Morin is attending the Regina Public Library's International Literacy Day flag raising celebration at Regina City Hall.

International Literacy Day is an initiative of UNESCO and its member states to increase public awareness around the importance of literacy. Celebrations are held around the world and mark the launch of the United Nations Decade for Literacy (2003 - 2012). In Canada, this initiative is being co-ordinated through the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609