Adult Learners Graduate

Maria Lamarche knows that a good education will help encourage success. Ms. Lamarche is one of four adult learners in Digby County graduating today, June 6, with the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults. The graduates have just completed programs supported by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning at Université Sainte-Anne-Collège de l'Acadie.

For Maria, the personalized approach at the school took on special meaning.

"It was important for me to re-educate myself in French to make me realize that it is possible to succeed in this language," she said. "The experience and education that I received at the Collège de l'Acadie enabled me to find a job in this region and to advance in the workforce."

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning funds and co-ordinates a range of education programs for adults wanting to improve their reading and math skills or complete their high school diplomas.

"The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning gives adult learners a tremendous opportunity to return to school so they can secure a brighter and rewarding future," said Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "It's all part of our provincial skills initiative to help people get the education and training they need to succeed in today's evolving labour market."

More than 400 people will graduate with their adult high school graduation diploma this month with support from the School for Adult Learning. That is double the number of graduates from the first graduating class in 2002.

"In addition to allowing for better employment opportunities, obtaining an adult education diploma allows graduates to think about furthering their studies at a college or university that is already familiar," said André Roberge, president of Université Sainte-Anne-Collège de l'Acadie.

Last month, the province announced a $700,000 increase in funding for the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. The extra money will help reduce waiting lists and provide more programs. New curriculum will also be developed to better prepare adults for success in today's labour market. The School for Adult Learning was established in 2001.

More than 4,000 Nova Scotians are currently enrolled in programs supported by the school at over 170 sites across the province. The programs for adults are delivered by the Nova Scotia Community College, Université Sainte-Anne-Collège de l'Acadie, five regional school boards and community-based learning organizations.

The total provincial budget for the School for Adult Learning in 2003-04 is about $4.5 million. The budget is funded by the departments of Education and Community Services. Human Resources Development Canada is also a funding partner.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning is part of the provincial government's Skills Nova Scotia initiative, which involves training and skills upgrading, from basic literacy to the use of the most sophisticated technologies. This spring, the province invested an additional $1.5 million in skills-related programs, including the adult learners' school.