Adult Learners Ready for More Education, Workplace

Harris Hayne is one of 10 adults in the Strait 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. Hayne is one of those graduates. After spending many years in the workforce, the Antigonish resident went back to school in 2006 to improve his job prospects. Despite a lengthy commute to class, his attendance was exceptional and his attitude and work ethic motivated his classmates. Mr. Hayne will receive the Most Dedicated to Program Award for the Adult Learning Program.

"Attending the Adult Learning Program has been a great experience," said Mr. Hayne. "I plan to return to NSCC in the fall to take power engineering."

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, 10 Nova Scotians, will graduate in the Strait area through the Nova Scotia Community College.

"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 literacy skills, or complete high school diplomas. 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 Adult Learning Program is an opportunity for students to regain their confidence and complete their high school diploma," said Tanya Levy, ALP counsellor, NSCC Strait area campus. "This is the key to further education and employment."