Adult Learners Ready for More Education, Workplace

Peter New is one of 124 adults in the Halifax area who is closer to a better career, thanks to his hard work and support from the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

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

Mr. New is one of those graduates. The 45-year-old dropped out of school in Grade 9 and worked in the manufacturing and autoparts industries for many years. When the last company he worked for closed, the Halifax resident found himself with few prospects for good employment and decided to return to school. Mr. New will receive his diploma on Thursday, June 28.

"I found myself out of work with no education," said Mr. New. "I knew I wouldn't get many job offers, so I decided to go back to school. It was a great experience. My advice to anyone considering this option would be don't be afraid, go for it, it can be done."

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 for adults. This year, 124 Nova Scotians, will graduate in the Halifax area. Sixty-three have already graduated through the Nova Scotia Community College and 61 will graduate from programs offered through Flexible Learning and Education Centres of the Halifax 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 Scotian 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 Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations.

"It takes a great deal of effort and determination to return to formal learning," said Margie Hopkins, principal, Flexible Learning and Education Centres. "These students should take pride in their wonderful accomplishments. We are extremely proud of our graduating class."

Mr. New will receive his diploma at the graduation ceremony for the Halifax Regional School Board on Thursday, June 28, 1 p.m. at Basinview Drive Community School, 273 Basinview Dr., Bedford.