Inuvik (Oct 13/06) - Two Inuvik women were recently awarded for their hard work and determination in the field of literacy.

Suzanne Robinson and Cindy Voudrach were in Yellowknife last week to receive their awards from territorial education Minister Charles Dent.

Suzanne Robinson and Cindy Voudrach pose with literacy awards that were given to them in a ceremony last week in Yellowknife. - photo courtesy of Suzanne Robinson

Robinson received the Ministerial Literacy Educator Award and Voudrach was given the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

Robinson works at Aurora college in Inuvik as an adult educator. She nominated Voudrach for the award, but was not aware that she was a recipient as well.

She has spent seven years with the college and has been involved with the family literacy program and the Inuvik literacy committee.

"I have a love of reading and learning," said Robinson.

"When I was a kid, I loved the library. Most of my students have kids themselves too."

Some of Robinson's work includes time as a developmental studies instructor in Inuvik.

She has also devoted volunteer hours to promoting family and community literacy through the weekly family literacy program.

Robinson said that she nominated Voudrach because of her achievements in her two years at Aurora College.

Voudrach was enrolled in the adult literacy and basic education programs in Inuvik.

She passed her courses, completing the equivalent of nine school years in just two.

She has written Grade 12 departmental exams in English, Math, Social Studies and Physics.

She is now ready to enter post-secondary education.

In the completion ceremony last year, Voudrach was chosen as master of ceremonies.

Voudrach was not available to comment on her award before press time.