NB 740
Aug. 28, 2003
FREDERICTON (CNB) -- The 7th annual Read Across New Brunswick Challenge will be held on International Literacy Day, Sept. 8. Education Minister Madeleine Dubé expects this year's challenge to demonstrate once again the strong commitment New Brunswickers have to ensuring a high level of literacy in the province.
"Literacy is everyone's responsibility and literacy promotions like the Read Across New Brunswick Challenge provide an incentive for all New Brunswickers to make reading part of what they do each day throughout the year," Dubé said.
The challenge comes at the beginning of International Adult Learners' Week, Sept. 7-13.
"This week is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of learning throughout life," Dubé said. "It is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joy of learning and to embark on a new journey of learning as we commence the Decade for Literacy (2003-2012) being launched by the United Nations."
The Read Across New Brunswick Challenge is open to everyone regardless of age or whether they are at home, at school or at work. Any individual, school, organization or business can participate by registering that a minimum of 20 minutes was spent reading on Sept. 8, 2003. Reading to others also counts, which means listeners are also part of the count.
The Challenge Hotline and e-mail are open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 8. Readers can call toll-free or e-mail from anywhere in New Brunswick to register their participation. English-speaking callers can reach the Hotline at 1 866 893-READ (7323). For Francophone callers, the number is 1 866 893-LIRE (5473). Readers can also e-mail their results to info@anbi-Inbi.nb.ca.
The community that registers the most reading activity for its size will be awarded the title of "Reading Capital of New Brunswick." The communities of Nackawic, St. George, Sainte-Anne-de-Madawaska, Harvey Station and Doaktown have won the challenge in previous years.
Last year, more than 60,600 New Brunswickers called in from 135 communities and 182 schools throughout the province.
"I'm inviting everyone to take up the challenge of winning the title of Reading Capital of New Brunswick for their community," Dubé said.
The event is made possible by the generosity and commitment of longstanding partners. A donation from Aliant will support toll-free lines staffed by volunteers from Aliant Pioneers. Baseline Market Research of Fredericton is providing office space for the day.
03/08/28
MEDIA CONTACTS: Steve Benteau, communications, Department of Education, (506) 444-4714; Rowena Brooks, Literacy, Department of Education, (506) 444-4331.
03/08/28