Joan MacFarlane, Education Coordinator at the Provincial Correctional Centre, is to be congratulated for winning the 2011 Council of Federation Literacy Award, says Justice and Public Safety Minister Doug W. Currie.
“Joan is an inspirational teacher,” said Mr. Currie. “She has established ground-breaking programs to meet the literacy needs of inmates at the Correctional Centre. She also helps them prepare to complete their GEDs, complete distance education courses, or work toward their Red Seal in various trades.”
The Council of the Federation Literacy Awards were created by the provincial and territorial premiers to recognize the valuable contributions made by Canadians across the entire spectrum of the field of literacy. It is presented to educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in each province and territory annually.
“Studies have shown that inmates who participate in educational programs are much less likely to reoffend when released from custody,” said Mr. Currie. “Joan recognizes that many of her students are looking for a new beginning, and she works hard to ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed in their pursuit of educational goals.”
As a recipient of the Council of Federation Literacy Award, Ms. MacFarlane will receive a certificate and medallion at a presentation ceremony in the fall.