The 2015 Annual Conference also saw the inauguration of the WLC Annual Global Literacy Prizes. Strong gains are being made and champions of literacy need to be acknowledged.
Dr Hellen Inyega was awarded the Change Maker of The Year Award
The honour was bestowed on Dr Inyega to commend her strong leadership and devotion to promoting the cause of literacy across Africa. Dr Inyega is a senior lecturer at the University of Narobi and is a passionate advocate for education. She has been involved with a wide range projects across the continent ranging from ICT, health, children’s and mother tongue language programs. Dr Inyega was unable to attend the event, the prize was accepted by the Kenyan Consul General on her behalf.
Pratham Delhi was awarded Literacy NGO of The Year Award
Pratham is the largest educational movement in India reaching 7.7 million children in the 2014-2015 period alone. The World Literacy Council was truly excited to award this inaugural prize to Pratham. Pratham’s work in literacy and education extends to 4.6 million people across India every day, every week. This organisation is truly amazing and goes out of its way to increase literacy and wellbeing where and when it can. The award was accepted by MC Bhagat, Vice Consul with the Indian High Commission in Melbourne, Australia on behalf of Pratham Delhi.
Burundi was awarded the Most Improved Country in Literacy according to UNESCO statistics.
Burundi is a poor and challenged African country, but over the last year it has managed to make outstanding improvements in their overall levels of Literacy. The award was accepted by Dr Graham Hunter on behalf of Burundi. Unfortunately Burundi has a limited diplomatic mission in Melbourne and as such the Council was very appreciative of Dr Hunter presence. Dr Hunter was recommended to the council by officials, as he is a former senior UN official with significant contacts in Burundi and the region.
The Late Steve Johnson was awarded the Indigenous Literacy Leadership Award
Mr Johnson was a respected Indigenous Australian who contributed the last twenty five years of his life to the education and academic assistance of Indigenous children in and around the Western District, Victoria (Australia). A co-founder of the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation of Australia, Steve was a stalwart of help and advice for the foundation. It is with due respect the WLC acknowledges Steve’s service with this award. Steven Johnson’s widow Ms Heather Hardy was present at the awards to accept the honour on his behalf.