Adult Learners Graduate in Sydney

Charlene Burton says going back to school proved an educational experience in more ways than one. Charlene is one of 10 adult learners graduating today, June 14, in Sydney 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 the Marconi Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

"I've learned many new things at NSCC, not just educational, but about myself," said Charlene. "I feel that the Adult Learning Program has been a stepping stone for me in the sense that it has given me the skills of how to study, pace myself with work, and gain confidence in the things I can do."

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.

Charlene will have an opportunity to put her newly acquired study skills to the test again in September when she returns to NSCC to take the Practical Nursing Program.

"The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning gives adult learners like Charlene 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 high school diplomas this month with support from the School for Adult Learning. That is double the number of graduates from the first graduating class in 2002.

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.

"The Adult Learning Program provides an opportunity for adults to earn their high school diploma thereby opening a world of opportunity that previous did not exist," said Carol Forbes, director of access at NSCC. "The high school diploma is the foundation for skill development and further learning. NSCC is proud to partner with the Department of Education in this progressive initiative that will improve the lives of many Nova Scotians."

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.