Premier Pat Binns presented the 2006 Council of the Federation Literacy Award today to Anne Morrison, an outstanding school teacher and adult educator from Morell.
Ms. Morrison is the second Islander to receive the award which was established last year by Canada's premiers to recognize individuals and organizations involved in the field of literacy across the country.
Ms. Morrison is a long time teacher and adult educator at the Literacy and Adult Basic Education Program in Morell. She is known for her passion for people and learning. By recognizing the unique needs of every learner she helps them to set learning goals and identify steps to achieve them. By providing constant encouragement, she has helped many adult Islanders improve their literacy skills and the quality of their lives.
Premier Binns presented the award today at a conference of Holland College adult educators. He said that through the leadership of people like Anne Morrison, Prince Edward Island is making great strides in the field of literacy. "She is an excellent example of how an adult educator can have a huge impact on the lives of a great number of people," said the premier. "Her skill as a teacher and her passion for learning have given many learners hope for the future and the ability to transform their lives and the lives of their families. The presentation of this award today recognizes the exceptional contribution of Anne Morrison and also the remarkable achievements of so many other adult educators who are making a real difference in Island communities."
Under Ms. Morrison's guidance, many students have experienced personal transformations that have helped them to graduate from the Morell Centre and go onto meaningful employment or further learning. Her students say Ms. Morrison has an extraordinary ability to create an atmosphere of trust and support in the classroom that fosters learning. Her strong belief in each and every student gives them confidence to succeed at learning.
She understands the major challenges that many adult Islanders face when they return to school later in life. She has helped many learners to overcome these challenges and reach their learning goals. One of her students said, "There were times she knew I was barely able to put food on my table and after a day of school I would go out to my car to find bags of groceries she put there. She encouraged me through all the personal and financial difficulties I had and kept me on task and never let me give up. But the most precious gift she gave me was my future. Anne not only helped me overcome my under-education, she helped with my whole life and that of my children."
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award is part of a larger strategy by Canada's provinces and territories to foster and share best practices in literacy and learning. Premier Binns advised that all premiers understand the importance of literacy and the powerful impact that it has on social and economic growth. "To advance this belief, we have committed to sharing our governments' literacy and continuing education models so that all provinces and territories can learn from each other," he said.
The first Prince Edward Island recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award was Charlottetown business person, Diane C. Smith who returned to school, increased her literacy skill level and established her own business.
For more information about this release, please contact: Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
