Literacy has been promoted through national TV as campaigns, special Canada Post stamps and Literacy Action Day. Here in the NWT, we have several funding programs that support community literacy, aboriginal language literacy and workplace literacy. Public awareness about the importance of literacy has increased dramatically through the efforts of the NWT Literacy Council's partnership with the Peter Gzowski invitational golf tournaments for literacy, as well as the writing contest, Read for Fifteen, and annual aboriginal language literacy promotions. Our politicians show their support through members' statements in the Legislative Assembly, appearances at local literacy events and through the minister's literacy recognition awards. Political and economic changes as a result of land claims, self-government and community empowerment mean that local educational opportunities for adults are more important than ever.
Literacy is an essential tool for community development and wellness.
More and more people are participating in adult literacy and basic education programs. People come to literacy programs for many different reasons. For some, it may mean an opportunity to improve their skills in order to get a job or participate in other training programs. Some may want to be better able to help their children in school and for others it may mean being able to participate more fully in society. Most importantly, literacy programs have helped people gain more confidence, set goals for the future, become more aware of their strengths and increase their independence and personal power.