Patrick Woodcock has been awarded the Council of the Federation Literacy Award for his work within NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 justice system on behalf of United for Literacy, formerly Frontier College.

SA国际影视传媒淭his award couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 have come at a better time,SA国际影视传媒� said Woodcock. SA国际影视传媒淚 just wanted to shine a light on the program. I know weSA国际影视传媒檙e having a positive impact, and I want that to continue.SA国际影视传媒�

He's referring to his efforts over the past two years to develop a formal literacy program within the framework of United for Literacy for the justice system of NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, which sees the author teaching inmates one-on-one at the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility, the Nunavut Women's Correctional Centre, the Uttaquvik Community Residential Centre as well as probation and legal aid. Together, these commitments make up a seven-day work week for the 'Farhang Book One' author, among myriad other titles. 

Woodcock described United for Literacy as SA国际影视传媒渧ery supportive [with] a track record I respect.SA国际影视传媒� He also points to monthly audits, and says the organizationSA国际影视传媒檚 emphasis on accountability is both helpful and positive for maintaining standards.

SA国际影视传媒淚 wonSA国际影视传媒檛 work for anybody with a political or religious agenda," he said. "I just want to help the person in any way they want and show them the potential they maybe didnSA国际影视传媒檛 know they had... I work out in the community. ISA国际影视传媒檝e gotten to know them, and ISA国际影视传媒檝e built up trust with them.

Woodcock doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 stop at teaching basic literacy skills. He tailors his tutorial sessions to the needs and desires of his clients and goes outside the classroom to ensure that former prisoners are supported in their efforts to reintegrate successfully in society, whether thatSA国际影视传媒檚 providing letters of reference, helping with housing applications or setting up parolees with bank accounts and jobs to ease the transition. Once released, they can also continue to study with him in Iqaluit or from the home communities.

SA国际影视传媒淚 want to reach every community in every corner of Nunavut... focusing specifically on the justice system and making sure people donSA国际影视传媒檛 feel abandoned or get lost when they move from one thing to the next... I want to get [the program] as close to permanent as possible... I donSA国际影视传媒檛 want something that ends when I leave."

About being bestowed with the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, Woodcock said, SA国际影视传媒淚 was really happy to receive that, because I was literally discussing the [programSA国际影视传媒檚] future, the funding, how I wanted it to work, all the avenues I could go when I got the message... I want to stay involved in it, and then just bring in people once funding has arrived to build it up.SA国际影视传媒�

He lived in the NWT before relocating to Nunavut.

SA国际影视传媒淚 explore the community,SA国际影视传媒� he says of Iqaluit. SA国际影视传媒淚 walk everywhere... ISA国际影视传媒檝e never had an issue with a client once... the clients need to know they are supported unconditionally when they get out... Obviously, thereSA国际影视传媒檚 difficulties, and thereSA国际影视传媒檚 struggles, but the successes far outweigh the difficulties.SA国际影视传媒�

United for Literacy has historically worked with many Indigenous communities, with an emphasis from 2005 on reconciliation and change, SA国际影视传媒渓earning from our shared history... we progressively started to hire and train members of the communities we partner with. This ensures that the local culture, language and traditions are the heart of all educational activities.SA国际影视传媒�