A local resident has won the province’s top literacy award.
Malak Alahmad is the 2020 recipient of the Nova Scotia Council of the Federation Literacy Award for her dedication to improving her literacy and making a difference in the lives of Syrian women in her community.
Alahmad and her husband left war-torn Syria for Antigonish in 2017; they were sponsored by members of the group Syria-Antigonish Families Embrace.
The mother of four, who had no English language skills when she arrived, enrolled in English literacy classes through the Antigonish Co. Adult Learning Association; she achieved a level five in English in less than three years, and is currently taking classes to improve her math and science skills.
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award, established by the country’s premiers in 2004, has 13 winners annually, one for each province and territory; it’s presented to an adult learner who demonstrates outstanding achievements in literacy, and makes a significant contribution to their school, workplace or community.
