As part of International Literacy Day, Andrew Chacko of Antigonish has won a national literacy award. This honour is in recognition of his dedication to literacy and American sign language.
Chacko was born without hearing and struggled to learn American sign language when he moved to Canada from India in 2008. He joined the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association and his motivation to learn ASL helped him reach an intermediate level. Chacko is now a volunteer with the association and helps to run ASL tutorials.
He says, “The more people who know sign language the more people like me who need sign language to communicate can make friends and have better opportunities.” Premier Tim Houston says he admires Chakos leadership and his dedication to make the community more connected and inclusive.
The Council of the Federation of Literacy Awards is presented annually to adult learners who demonstrate outstanding achievements in literacy and make a significant contribution to their school, workplace, or community. Chacko was nominated by the Antigonish County Adult Learning Association.
International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on September 8th and 13 awards are presented each year, one for each province and territory.
