Yamaska Literacy Council

Literacy Champions

Eric Savage proves that anything is possible with a lot of determination, hard work and support.  At a ceremony in Montreal on April 7^th, former world champion super middleweight boxer and lifelong learning advocate, Otis Grant, presented the 2008 Recognition Award for Adult Literacy (Learner) to Eric Savage, for his achievements in improving his literacy skills.

At the age of 23, Eric speaks candidly about his experiences:  dropping out of school, drugs, living on the street. He had lost hope. But all of that has turned around now. He has the support of his literacy tutor, Martha Shufelt, of the Yamaska Literacy Council, his teacher at the Cowansville Academy for Lifelong Learning, Jane Morey, and his sister's family. In his winning submission, Eric talks about the positive changes that stem from his decision to improve his literacy skills:

“From the time I started working with my literacy tutor I have achieved several of my goals that were set when we first met.  I got my learner's permit, driver's license and financial help before going to Adult Ed.  My tutoring helped my writing, reading and spelling skills faster than I had thought.  It gave me self-confidence and made me realize that I could do well.  I am confident that I am going to finish school and get into a welding course but it's going to take a while before that will happen.

I hope that my story will help those who are in need of some direction in their life to look for help the right way.”

To read Eric's full story, or for more information about the Yamaska Literacy Council's services, contact Wendy Seys at 450-263-7503/ 866-337-7503 or yamaskalit@endirect.qc.ca or visit www.yamaskaliteracy.ca.  For more information on the Recognition Adult Literacy Awards or other adult literacy awards, visit www.literacyvolunteersqc.ca.