MINISTRY OF EDUCATION PROVIDES MORE THAN $480,000 TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY LITERACY PROGRAMMING

Education Minister Russ Marchuk joined representatives from the North Central Family Centre to announce funding through the SaskSmart Innovations Fund (SSIF). In total, $482,469 has been allocated to seven different community partnerships to provide literacy services.

The SSIF was established to provide financial assistance to Saskatchewan communities to create innovative ways to address their literacy needs and provide programming in both family and adult/workplace literacy.

"People who develop a strong foundation of literacy skills have a greater opportunity to be involved in their communities and in society," Marchuk said. "Saskatchewan's future depends on all citizens taking their place in a knowledge-based economy and participating fully in our province."

Earlier this year, Saskatchewan communities were invited to submit proposals that address workplace and family literacy needs in Saskatchewan. Funding is for one year only and communities must be able to show in-kind or additional funding support.

Successful applicants this year include the First Nations University of Canada in partnership with Cote First Nation in Kamsack; the Makwa Lake Development Co. in partnership with Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in Loon Lake; the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation in Leask; the Nipawin Oasis Community Centre Co-operative; the Prince Albert Literacy Network; the Saskatoon Student Wellness Initiative Toward Community Health; and the North Central Family Centre in Regina.

The SSIF supports the expansion of innovative literacy practices in areas of the province and to specific communities which do not have access to such programs and services.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-7506