GOVERNMENT INVESTS $800,000 IN ADULT LITERACY

Released on July 31, 2006

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing nearly $800,000 into adult literacy programs to provide an estimated 2,500 adult learners the opportunity to improve their literacy skills in 2006-07.

"Ensuring that people have high levels of literacy allows full participation in our province's continued economic and social development," Minister responsible for Literacy Deb Higgins said. "Our government is proud to work with community partners to support a variety of programs and services that will allow adults to pursue literacy skills training across the province."

The adult literacy programs supported by the Saskatchewan Literacy Commission will be used primarily for informal learning situations, such as one-on-one tutoring. Agencies that will receive funding include SIAST, eight regional colleges, the Regina Public Library, Circle Project, READ Saskatoon, Lloydminster Learning Council Association, the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and a francophone literacy program delivered by the Services Fransaskois de Formation aux Adultes.

"This investment in adult literacy confirms the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to supporting life-long learning opportunities," Higgins said.

SaskSmart, the Saskatchewan Literacy Commission, was established in 2005 and is designed to ensure all Saskatchewan people have basic literacy skills in English, Mathematics and Science and Technology. SaskSmart will build on the successes of existing literacy programs and services in the public, private and volunteer sectors.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kathy Hancock Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-1305 Email: kathy.hancock@sasked.gov.sk.ca

Caroline MacMurchy Sask. Literacy Commission Regina Phone: (306) 787-2663 Email: cmacmurchy@slc.gov.sk.ca