Council of the Federation - Adult Learner Award

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Charles Dent, presents Cindy her award at the awards ceremony.

Cindy Voudrach is the winner of the Adult Learner Award this year. She is a single mother of three children who enrolled two years ago in an Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE) program at Aurora College in Inuvik. In that short time, she has progressed from the ALBE 120 level to the ALBE 150/160 level. She has written Grade 12 departmental exams in English, Math, Social Studies and Physics, and she is now enrolled in post secondary education in Inuvik. A champion of adult education, her commitment and outstanding dedication to learning has had a strong influence on her family. Ms. Voudrach has also given back by volunteering at a range of community events. Cindy's instructors describe her as “a leader of today and one to watch in the future.”

Canada Post Literacy Award Winner

The Canada Post Literacy Awards were established by Canada Post in 1993 as a means to celebrate the achievements of both adult learners and those who have helped them learn to read and write.

The NWT has one adult learner winner this year - Belinda Jacob of Hay River. Before starting her Adult Literacy and Basic Education Program, Belinda was afraid she was not bright enough to learn, let alone comprehend what she was learning. Those fears are behind her now. Belinda has improved her vocabulary and writing skills, and her self-esteem has “gone through the roof” as she works towards her goal of opening her own business. Congratulations to Belinda for winning the Canada Post Learner Award. She receives a brand new computer and a certificate of achievement.

Margaret Field, an adult educator in Fort Providence, was a finalist for the educator's category. Using a holistic approach to learning, she not only teaches reading, writing and math, but also brings in Elders to teach traditional skills, such as fishing and tool making. Margaret also promotes literacy in her community by coordinating Literacy Week and Family Literacy Day activities.