Adult Learners Graduate In Cape Breton
Janna Ramsay knew she was heading for bigger and better things when she went back to high school. Janna is one of 77 adult learners from five adult high schools in the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board area who are graduating in New Waterford today, June 24, with a high school diploma. Of these graduates, 70 have just completed programs supported by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.
"A high school diploma is the first stepping stone on the path to higher achievements," says Janna, who is graduating from the New Waterford Adult Education Centre. "After quitting high school, I entered the work force. Not having a high school diploma, I was always turned down for jobs. That's when I decided to achieve my high school diploma and further my education. Now, I am looking forward to continuing my education in the health and science fields."
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, like Janna, 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 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.
"We have seen tremendous growth in our Adult High School program since it began in the fall of 1996," says Archie MacEachern, director of programs and operations for the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board. "Our first graduation class was 6 students, this year we will graduate 77 students. The program provides the opportunity for young adults who have had their high school program interrupted to re-start their program and move on to employment or to post-secondary education."
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.