Adult Learners Graduate In Truro

Steve Hartling grew up in the rural community of Wine Harbour. He has been in and out of school since Grade 7. "I failed and quit, failed and quit," he says. But today, June 26, at the age of 24, Steve is one of 83 adult learners from three adult high schools in the Chignecto Central Regional School Board area who are graduating in Truro with a high school diploma. Of these graduates, 54 have just completed programs supported by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

"School just never came naturally to me," says Steve. "I wasn't ready for it until I was prepared for intellectual evolution. As soon as I was ready to give my all, the adult high school was there, so that is the path I followed. It gave me a key so I can open more doors."

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 Steve, 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.

"Once again we are very proud of our adult learners," said Coleen Davidson, the board's co-ordinator of the community education and partnership and administrator of the adult high school program. "This year we will be graduating 83 students, the majority of whom have been accepted at post-secondary institutions, therefore continuing their lifelong learning."

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.