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TYING ONE ON
This week
DAR R E L L N E SBIT T / CR O SSR O ADS T H IS W E E K Jace Beierbach of Whitewood, SK had no problem roping, flipping, and tying his calf in the event known as tie down roping at the Rossburn Rodeo & Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 31, the second of three days of rodeo action. The CCA and MRCA qualifier approved event, put on by the Rossburn Ag. Society and Waywayseecappo First Nation, welcomed competitors and fans back to the Parkland community after 16 years.
Com m unities to celebra te N a tiona l Litera cy D a y RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT Cro ssro a d s This W e e k
On Sept. 8, National Literacy Day is celebrated across the region, recognizing the importance to be able to read, write, and understand, also helping to break down the literacy barriers across the province. “Literacy is the gateway to comprehension, empathy, critical thinking, and a capacity for lifelong learning,” affirmed Alicia
Grassinger, a librarian at the Parkland Regional Library’s Rossburn Branch. Her words remind us of the broader impact literacy has on improving communication skills and expanding our understanding of the world. However, statistics indicate there is much work to be done. Globally, more than 775 million adults lack basic literacy skills, which includes one in five adults worldwide – and notably, twothirds of those individuals are
women. In Manitoba, about 40% of working-age adults find themselves at literacy levels below what is needed to participate in today’s society. These numbers, reported by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba, underscores the important need for effective change. In response to adult literacy barriers, changes are underway. As of May 3, Manitoba began to transition from the GED (General Educational Development) to the
Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) as the standard for high school equivalency. This change aims to provide a more relevant, inclusive, Canadianfocused assessment covering essential areas such as English, math, science, and social studies. Grassinger highlighted that literacy is crucial not only for acquiring skills but also for personal enrichment and fostering stronger communities. “Literacy not only provides
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critical skills but also brings entertainment and pleasure,” she noted, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of continuous learning. As the region celebrates National Literacy Day, the focus will be on addressing these literacy challenges through innovative solutions like the CAEC. Advocating for literacy at every age is critical in paving the path toward personal growth and community progression across our communities region-wide.