Congratulations to Shanti Ang, this year’s recipient of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COFLA) for British Columbia!

Created in 2004 by Canada’s Premiers, this award celebrates individuals and organizations whose work shows outstanding achievement, innovation, and excellence in literacy — from reading and numeracy to digital and Indigenous language skills that help people build stronger, fuller lives.

Shanti has spent years building exactly that kind of impact. As Literacy Outreach Coordinator and leader of her local Literacy Task Group, she has grown collaboration and community capacity across Surrey and White Rock. Partnering with Surrey Libraries, School District #36, and other community organizations, she has helped bring programs like Read with Kids, StoryWalks®, Book Buddies, and Partners Adult Literacy Tutoring to life. Each program opens a new door for families and adult learners alike.

Over the past decade, Shanti has transformed the READ Surrey/White Rock Society from a one-person effort into a connected, thriving community organization. Her leadership is hands-on and deeply personal…she has stayed closely connected to the learners she serves even as her partnerships have grown.

Stories like Shanti’s are why Decoda’s network of Literacy Outreach Coordinators matters so much across B.C. We are real people, building real community, one partnership at a time.

Congratulations, Shanti and thank you for your years of dedication to literacy in your community!