Province Celebrates International Adult Learners' Week

Nova Scotia will celebrate International Adult Learners' Week, Sept. 7-13.

"What did you learn today?" is the theme of the week-long series of events that aim to raise the profile of literacy, adult and lifelong learning. UNESCO initiated International Adult Learners' Week in 2000 and celebrations are being held in more 50 countries this year.

"Adult and lifelong learning are key components of Skills Nova Scotia, our provincial skills agenda," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Everyone needs to actively learn throughout their lives for personal growth. We also need to gain new skills and knowledge so that our workforce can compete in the global economy."

Events across the province range from open houses and barbeques to book launches and fiestas. The Department of Education has posted a schedule of these events on its Web site at www.ednet.ns.ca .

This month also marks the second anniversary of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. The school helps adult Nova Scotians access literacy and upgrading programs through educational institutions around the province. This spring, more than 400 Nova Scotians received the Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma for Adults through the school.