Kathryn M. Knowles, M.S.M., Winnipeg, Man.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
Her desire to share the pleasures of reading with children inspired Kathryn Knowles to set up a library in the backyard of her home while living in Ghana, Africa in 1990. The project, which started from a basket of books, led to the establishment of libraries in more than eighty schools and communities across Ghana. Now back in Canada, Mrs. Knowles continues to administer projects in Ghana, such as the community library she initiated in the densely populated area of Nima, Accra, where the illiteracy rate is exceptionally high. The centre also provides meals for children and offers a literacy class. Through her labour of love promoting literacy and education, Kathryn Knowles has enriched the lives of many children half a world away, and brought great honour to Canada.