Faye Belhumeur Speaks at Breakfast of Champions 2005

Faye was the first recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award in Manitoba. After receiving her award from Premier Gary Doer at the LPM-sponsored Breakfast of Champions, Faye gave this speech. LPM congratulates her on her success and this award.

Like many learners, Faye speaks of the challenge of making the first step, of walking through the doors of an adult education program, and how it changed her life.

First of all, I would like to thank the Honourable Gary Doer for presenting me with this award. Thank you to the Council of the Federation and the Selection Committee for selecting me for this award. I thank the staff of Adult Learning and Literacy for their input into this literacy award.

I felt very honoured to have been nominated for this award, never actually thinking I'd be standing here today receiving this.

For many years, getting an education seemed like an unattainable dream, and then through probably the darkest period of my life, two special little people were sent to me to care for. Over the years they gave me the strength and courage to finally realize that I could do something for me. Of course, education was number 1 on the list.

It wasn't always easy. Making a major move came first and then came the hard part: walking through the doors of the Swan River Adult Education Program. I know I would never have stayed if it wasn't for the encouragement of all the staff. The friendly and caring atmosphere kept coming back, even though at times I felt like giving up. I thank them all very much. Garth Martin, our Math and computer wizard, nominated me for this award. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Garth found that little part of me that was buried deep inside and made me challenge myself. Hey, I can do this! The staff at this learning centre seems to have a real knack for doing this with each and every oneof us who enter their door. [Click here to read an article on this program.]

Thanks to my husband, family and friends who have supported me all the way, and keep encouraging me to do more.

Thank you to all the staff from the Adult Learning and Literacy Branch, to Carole, Donna, and Garth from the Swan River Adult Education Progam, to my very good friend Gloria, and to my son Eric, for being here with me today.

And last thanks to two very speical Angels upon my shoulders who guide me all the way.

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