Adult Learners Graduate In Valley

Erin Deanne Clark knew she wanted to set a good example for her children, and so she went back to school. Ms. Clark is one of 21 adult learners in the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board areas who are graduating in Windsor today, June 26, and in New Minas on Friday, June 27, with a high school diploma. Of these graduates, 15 have just completed programs supported by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

"Acquiring a high school diploma is important to me because I want to have a better life for myself and my family. I have a two-year-old son and another baby on the way," says Ms. Clark. "I didn't want my son to grow up knowing that his mother didn't finish high school. I wanted to give him inspiration to do well in school. It was important for me to finish school so that I have the option of going on to further my education, of working somewhere that I enjoy, while providing more for my family."

Ms. Clark should inspire more than her son. The 22-year-old, who left school after Grade 11, has worked full-time while completing her high school education at Windsor Adult High School. She says the adult learning school helped her complete part of her dream. "There are smaller class sizes and I have been able to get more attention from the teachers if I need extra help. They are also more flexible and I can make up work if I need to."

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 Erin, 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 are proud of our graduating students who have worked hard to achieve their goals," said Joanne MacGillivray, administrator of Windsor Adult High School. "Many of these students have additional work and family-related commitments and their dedication and determination is evident."

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.