Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy
Council of the Federation Literacy Award Manitoba Recipients
Manitoba Recipient for 2008 Council of the Federation Literacy Award |
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Anita Martens – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nominator – Kathie Remillard, Literacy Instructor, McLeod Adult Learning Centre
COF Award Recipient Anita Martens with her daughter Stephanie and Premier Gary Doer
Anita Martens of Winnipeg, Manitoba arrived in Canada in the late 1970’s filled with hopes of a bright future. However due to a difficult life situation she found herself years later as a single mother with three small children and limited English skills. After a few months in a literacy course at Elmwood to upgrade her skills, Anita began to dream of continuing her education. Her confidence grew as her skills improved. This past year has worked hard to improve her English and to complete her grade 12 at McLeod Adult Learning Centre. Her goal is to enter college and become a health care unit clerk. Anita is generous of spirit and is always happy to assist others. Anita volunteers once a week at the Health Sciences Centre, is a member of the Learner Speakers’ Bureau and the Student Advisory Group. In April 2008 she sat on the adult learner caucus at the CMEC Pan Canadian Literacy Forum. True to her motto, ‘I decided to get better instead of bitter’, Anita had overcome barriers of language, education, and challenges in her personal life.
Manitoba Recipient for 2007 Council of the Federation Literacy Award |
Norine Moar - Swan River, Manitoba
Nominator - Lesley Betcher, Swan River Adult Education program
Norine Moar and Premier Gary Doer
Norine Moar is a single mother of eight and grandmother of fourteen, a learner and a community volunteer who exemplifies how improving your literacy skills affects you in a personal way. Ms. Moar enrolled at Swan River Adult Education, Inc. in 2006. She realized that she had to find the courage to start school as a first step to finding a job to support her family. Although her formal schooling ended at about grade 6, her many years of work experience provided her with the Essential Skills to upgrade her literacy and numeracy skills and complete her high school diploma, graduating in June 2007. Norine has a natural curiosity and determination to uncover solutions and is committed to assisting others in the learning centre and in the community. She is now an educational assistant at the centre and is taking a course in counselling at the University College of the North. Norine is an amazing woman who has taken life’s hardships and barriers and created positive bridges of opportunity. As one of her instructors said, "Norine inspires others to love life, laugh more and appreciate the positive parts of our everyday walk".
Manitoba Recipient for 2006 Council of the Federation Literacy Award |
Daphne Joyce Prince - Winnipeg,
Manitoba
Nominator - Linda Smith/Heather McCormick,
Aboriginal Literacy Foundation
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L - R Marilyn
Johnson, Daphne Prince, Natashia
Prince and Linda Smith |
Daphne Prince is a single mother of four children who is determined to create a better life for herself and her family. In October 2004 Daphne enrolled in the literacy and upgrading programs at the Aboriginal Learning and Literacy Centre. She continued on to the Academic Grade 12 Diploma program and received her high school diploma in June 2006. Her determination and commitment to her education goals were evident on a daily basis and she provided leadership in program activities. Daphne is a member of the Literacy Partners of Manitoba Learners Speaker Bureau where she assists other learners and promotes the importance of literacy to volunteers, government and business leaders. To quote Ms. Prince: “I would like to work toward helping women and children, and my community. I hope that one day I will be known for a good purpose”.
Manitoba Recipient for 2005 Council of the Federation Literacy Award |
Faye Belhumeur - Swan River
Nominator - Garth Martin, instructor,
Swan River Adult Education Centre
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Faye (centre)
with Family, Friends and Staff of
the Swan River Adult Education Centre |
Faye Belhumeur's message to Manitobans encourages others to follow in her footsteps. "Going to school has been the greatest experience for me," she said. "It has opened up many doors for me, not only on the outside, but also within me. I encourage anyone I know, young or old, not to be afraid to go back to school."
Belhumeur was not deterred by her difficult life situation from reaching her goal of receiving an education. Despite having doubts about her ability to learn, she enrolled at the Swan River Adult Education Centre in 2003. Since then, she has upgraded her basic literacy skills, completed the Literacy Stage Certificate, the GED and Mature Student High School Diploma.
Belhumeur volunteers three nights a week in Swan River to help other learners, tutors learners and their children in her home and assists new immigrants to Manitoba. She is currently working as a part-time education assistant while continuing her own studies.
According to her instructors, Belhumeur is the ideal literacy learner, dedicated to learning and compassionate to others.
This page was last updated December 19, 2008
