The Chief Librarian at the Confederation Centre Public Library has been recognized by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) for her work in developing programs for immigrants to the Island.
Kathleen Eaton received the Excellence in Public Service Award during Public Service Week, recently held during June. The award cited Ms Eaton’s efforts in creating partnerships which included the Newcomer’s Association of Prince Edward Island and the province’s Population Secretariat in order to offer English language programs to newcomers to Prince Edward Island.
The Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour presented the award to Ms Eaton on behalf of IPAC. “As Minister responsible for libraries, I am extremely pleased that a member of the Provincial Library Service has received this honour. This recognition demonstrates that our library staff is making a difference in the lives of Islanders and I sincerely thank Kathleen Eaton for her contributions.”
The immigrant program supplements formal training offered by institutions such as Holland College and is delivered through volunteer tutoring activities. Public response to the programs has been overwhelmingly successful and there currently are waiting lists for both tutor and learner activities. Future plans for the program include citizenship classes, a service which is not currently available in Prince Edward Island.
For more information about language programs for newcomers, contact your local provincial library.
The Institute of Public Administration of Canada is a national organization which promotes and recognizes excellence in public service.