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Message from the President
Literacy is an important key that opens doors to opportunity, well-
being and community involvement. Literacy is also a catalyst that
supports and encourages connections among individuals and groups
whose common goal is to support healthier communities.
The work of the NWT Literacy Council over the past 12 months
continued to focus on the delivery of services to support the
development of strong, vibrant literacy programs at the community
level. Our work is grounded in the principles of community
development. Real change takes place when communities are given
the support and the tools to identify their needs and define their
own
solutions to issues they are facing. Our approach to the development
and delivery of literacy programs and services reflect these principles.
We have been able to build communities of like-minded individuals
and organizations across the NWT that shares our interest in literacy
and learning.
As I think back over the past year, I am both optimistic yet cautious.
There is optimism because of the momentum behind literacy as
demonstrated by the ways in which families, communities, individuals
and workplaces have engaged in literacy and are working to support
its
development across the NWT. I am cautious because in times of fiscal
constraint we can lose momentum and community-based programs
like literacy are often the most vulnerable. We cannot afford to put
into jeopardy the gains made by communities in addressing local
literacy issues.
Literacy development is a process that requires long-term commitment
and support from all of us. Now more than ever we need to build on
the momentum that is growing around literacy and ensure that all
Northerners have the opportunity and resources to develop their
potential and contribute to our quickly changing society.
Thank you to my board colleagues and the staff of the Literacy
Council. It has been an interesting and enjoyable year serving as
President. I look forward to next year as we build on our many
successes.
Katherine Peterson |
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