Advanced Education and Training

Adult Learning and Literacy

Council of the Federation Literacy Award in Manitoba

Announcing the 2024 Manitoba Council of Federation Literacy Award Recipient

On September 6, 2024, the Council of the Federation (COF) announced the 2024 Literacy Award recipients from across Canada. Adult Learning and Literacy is pleased to announce Ayni Ahmed from Winnipeg as the Manitoba recipient of the 2024 Council of the Federation (COF) Literacy Award. The award was presented to Ms. Ahmed at a ceremony on September 6, 2024.

Ayni Ahmed always wanted to attend school but, as the oldest of seven children, never had the chance. Arriving in Canada in 1984 as a refugee from Ethiopia, she had to forgo her dreams due to family and financial responsibilities. In 2022, while running a successful Ethiopian bakery with her family, Ayni returned to school at LiteracyWORKS Inc. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving her literacy skills while being an active community member, parent, and business owner. Ayni encourages her classmates every day and is a true leader and a friend. “Returning back to school as an adult has brought me so much joy. I have become a happier and more confident person because against all odds, I am pursuing my dreams.”

This year, Adult Learning and Literacy received four nominations from programs across Manitoba. Congratulations to all nominees for their success and dedication to adult learning!

Nominee	Program	City/Town
Ayni Ahmed	LiteracyWORKS Inc.	Winnipeg
Madeline Harper	Lord Selkirk Park Adult Learning Program	Winnipeg
Lilom Saelu	Stevenson-Britannia Adult Learning Centre	Winnipeg
Janice Torgerson	GOAL Program	Winnipeg

A sincere thank-you to members of the 2024 COF Literacy Award Adjudication Committee for dedicating their time and attention to the adjudication process:

• Chris Laurie, Winnipeg Public Library
• Cat Cogle, Steps to Success YWCA Thompson
• Mandy Marsland, Salvation Army of Winnipeg

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