Adult Learners Ready for More Education, Workplace

Thelma Minard is one of 36 Nova Scotians in the South Shore area who is closer to a better career, thanks to her hard work and support from the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

This year, 450 adult learners in Nova Scotia will graduate with their high school diploma.

Ms. Minard is one of those graduates. The Liverpool, Queens Co., resident dropped out of school at 15 and, after being out of school for 30 years, decided to go back. She plans to take office information technology at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in the fall.

"I went back to better educate myself and secure a job," said Ms. Minard. "This program has given me a second chance."

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning is an initiative of the Department of Education. Since its inception in 2001, about 2,400 Nova Scotians of all ages and backgrounds have graduated with a high school graduation diploma.

Fourteen people on the South Shore have already graduated through the Nova Scotia Community College and 22 will graduate from programs offered through the Queens and Lunenburg adult high schools of the South Shore Regional School Board.

"The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning is meeting an important need in our province," said Karen Casey, Minister of Education. "We know that 38 per cent of Nova Scotia adults have low levels of literacy and we are working to change that.

"Literacy skills are not only the key to a better life, they are essential to development of a skilled workforce for our province. I congratulate all the graduates for taking steps to improve their education and career opportunities."

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning co-ordinates a range of education programs for adults who want to improve their literacy skills, or complete their high school diploma. Programs are tuition free and offered at more than 150 sites across the province in partnership with NSCC, regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations.

“The number of students receiving their high school diplomas shows their determination and resolve to finish their education and continue to work toward their education and career goals,” said Gary Mason, principal, South Shore Adult High School.

Ms. Minard will receive her diploma at the graduation ceremony for the South Shore Regional School Board on Wednesday, June 27, 6 p.m., at Dr. J.C. Wickwire Academy, 311 Old Port Mouton Rd., Liverpool.