LITERACY GRANTS AWARDED TO DEVELOP COMMUNITY LITERACY

Grants under the SaskSmart Innovations Fund, valued at $7,500 each, have been awarded to nine communities for the 2007-08 year. Recipients of the Expression of Interest grants will use the funding to develop plans that address local literacy needs.

"These grants are awarded based on local literacy requirements, identified commitment by communities with regard to literacy initiatives, as well as the strength of partnerships," Minister responsible for Literacy Deb Higgins said. "Community literacy plans support the development of new innovative family and workplace literacy programs across the province."

To be eligible to receive this grant, at least three organizations or individuals, including one business organization must have collaborated to develop their submission. They are asked to include what existing assets the community has that could potentially be beneficial to establishing an ongoing literacy program, such as facilities, interested service clubs, strong volunteers, etc.

A series of community literacy planning workshops are available to the team members of successful grant recipients. Organizations are then able to follow-up by applying for additional SaskSmart Innovations Funding for implementation in 2008-09.

"It is through programs such as these that we are making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and raise a family," Higgins said. "Grassroots literacy programs make it possible for people to gain the skills they need to participate fully in the labour market and to create a better quality of life for themselves and their families."

The SaskSmart Innovations Fund was created to provide communities with resources to identify and address their local literacy needs through the provision of additional literacy supports and services. This is the second year the Expression of Interest grants have been awarded.

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For more information, contact:

Margaret Lipp
Saskatchewan Literacy Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6032
Email: margaret.lipp@slc.gov.sk.ca

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