News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Two people were presented today with the 2010 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for New Brunswick. The recipients were Frenzada Mallet and Eleanor Kingston.

"New Brunswick is a great place to grow, live and work," said Energy Minister Craig Leonard. "What makes it so, in large part, is our numerous dedicated volunteers, teachers and residents who care and who give of themselves. This is evident through outreach, training and educational programs and services in our communities, our workplaces and in our schools."

Leonard was speaking on behalf of Premier David Alward.

Mallet, born in Caraquet, has taught for 35 years and volunteered for 15 years in the area of literacy. Mallet has a passion for the French language and strives to promote literacy as a path that leads to opportunities for persons of all ages, levels of education and all walks of life.

Kingston has devoted her life to working with the Schizophrenia Society. In 2003, she championed a unique program, in partnership with the Department of Education, that helps adults who have a mental illness obtain literacy skills. The program has succeeded in helping more than 40 persons complete the class, move on to college or other areas of training, become employed either full- or part-time or become community volunteers.

"As the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour continues its work with numerous partners and stakeholders, literacy remains a priority in our province, and we are proud to honour Ms. Mallet and Ms. Kingston," Leonard said. "Our government will continue to work with community stakeholders to identify needs, to enhance current efforts and explore ways to provide greater support for this critical area."

The award publicly recognizes leaders in the field of literacy and rewards remarkable achievement. The theme of the 2010 award focused on volunteers who support literacy programs and learners through teaching, promotion or fund-raising.