Adult Learners Graduate In Chignecto Central

As a teenager, Kathy Rines bailed out of high school because she was bored and wanted money in her pocket from full-time work. She soon found out that with such little education, her job prospects and earning potential were very low. Today, June 24, the 36-year- old Shubenacadie resident is graduating with a high school diploma, and she has her sights set on a degree in business administration and, possibly, international business.

"I wanted to make sure my daughter realizes the importance of getting an education," said Kathy. "I want to be able to get a good job to help support my family."

Kathy is one of 95 adult learners from four adult high schools in the Chignecto Central Regional School Board area who are graduating in Truro with a high school diploma. Of these graduates, 56 have completed programs supported by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

The adult high schools are supported by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, which 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.

"Through the School for Adult Learning, Nova Scotians, like Kathy, get the skills they need to succeed at home, at work and in the community," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "The school is part of our effort to ensure people can return to learning and help pave the way to a brighter future for themselves and their families."

The School for Adult Learning is funded by the departments of Education and Community Services.

"The class of 2004 represents our largest graduating class to date," said Coleen Davidson, co-ordinator of community education and partnerships. "We congratulate them on their success now and in the future."

More than 400 Nova Scotians are graduating this month with the high school diploma for adults. This year, more than 4,100 Nova Scotians were enrolled in programs supported by the School for Adult Learning at more than 170 sites across the province. The programs for adults are delivered by the Nova Scotia Community College, Université Sainte-Anne, five regional school boards and community-based learning organizations.

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.