Adult Learners Ready for More Education, Workplace

Cindy Fraser is one of 26 Nova Scotians in the Annapolis Valley 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 from across Nova Scotia will graduate with a high school diploma.

Ms. Fraser is one of those graduates. She returned to school at age 36, intending to upgrade her math skills.

"Returning to school has been a thrilling experience," said Ms. Fraser. "I would recommend it to anyone. It's an opportunity for a great future and it has transformed my life. I'm ready for whatever comes next."

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.

Nine of this year's 26 Annapolis Valley adult graduates have already finished at the Nova Scotia Community College and 17 will graduate from programs at the Kings County and Windsor adult high schools of the Annapolis Valley 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 literacy skills, or complete a 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.

"Students who graduate from this program acquire academic skills, professional development and work ethic," said Eleanor MacConnell, teacher, Kings County Adult High School. "This prepares them for success in their chosen field of post-secondary learning or the workplace."

Ms. Fraser will receive her diploma at the graduation ceremony for the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board on Thursday, June 28, 7 p.m. at New Minas Elementary School, 34 Jones Rd., New Minas.