New journalism fellowship aimed at adult literacy

ABC Life Literacy Canada has launched a new $2000 fellowship aimed at providing financial assistance to a journalist interested in researching and producing a story (print or broadcast) related to adult literacy.

From ABC’s site:

“The Peter Gzowski Life Literacy Fellowship was developed to generate public awareness of adult literacy in Canada by providing one journalist with a financial contribution of $2,000 to research and develop a story on adult literacy in Canada. The fellowship follows in the tradition of The Peter Gzowski Literacy Award of Merit (PGLAM) which was founded by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1993 in honour of the late veteran broadcaster and literacy advocate Peter Gzowski.”

“Literacy levels in Canada have a huge impact on Canada’s businesses and
our economy. Low literacy levels cost businesses $2.5 billion annually
in lost productivity (Literacy Alberta, 2007). Improving literacy levels
of Canadian workers creates a more productive workforce, a more
competitive economy, and an improved bottom line.”

View story ideas and previous winning stories

“The late Peter Gzowski, journalist, broadcaster and former board member of ABC Life Literacy Canada, was a dedicated supporter of the literacy cause. Peter grew up in the small town of Galt, Ontario. At the University of Toronto, he edited The Varsity and acquired a passion for journalism which took him to jobs in Timmins, Moose Jaw and Chatham. In 1962, he became managing editor of Maclean’s. Peter also worked as entertainment editor of the Toronto Star, as editor of Star Weekly and as editor of Maclean’s. He became a household name as the host of CBC Radio’s This Country in the Morning. An accomplished author, he wrote several nonfiction books before returning to CBC Radio as host of Morningside in 1982. A project Peter took great pride in was the series of golf tournaments which he founded in aid of literacy. In 1986, Peter vowed to raise $1 million in his lifetime to benefit community-based literacy organizations. To date the PGI Golf Tournaments for Literacy – Founded by Peter Gzowski has raised more than $10 million net, making this initiative the most successful fundraiser for literacy in Canada.”