First Adult Learner Celebration in Wolfville

The first provincial celebration for adult learners will be held in Wolfville on Saturday, June 19.

One hundred and ten people will represent the more than 1,500 people who upgraded their math and literacy skills through community learning organizations, as part of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. The event is being hosted by the Association of Nova Scotia Community Learning Organizations. It will be followed by the Literacy Mile, a walk to raise awareness and support for adult literacy programs.

Adult learners are an important part of Nova Scotia's workforce development. Through levels I, II and III of the adult learning program, they are better able to contribute to their families, communities and the workforce.

"Each one of these learners have made personal sacrifices to accomplish what they have today," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

"It took a great deal of perseverance and determination. I am proud the government is making life better for Nova Scotians by supporting these individuals as they make life better for themselves, their families, and their communities by continuing their journey of learning."

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning is an initiative of the Department of Labour and Workforce Development that supports Nova Scotians as they build on their skills, knowledge and credentials to succeed at home, in the community, and in the workforce.

The province invested $2.8 million into community learning organizations through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. Programs are tuition free and offered at more than 140 sites across the province in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College, regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne and community learning organizations.

"The biggest surprise in coming here is that I won. I got where I wanted to be," said learner Paul Robson. "I never would have made it this far if I hadn't taken courses at the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. I was able to take my air brakes licence. I actually keep the licence in my pocket every day as a constant reminder of what I have accomplished."

Recognition of the learners' challenges and achievements are the focus of a provincewide recruitment campaign that will be launched at the event.

"This celebration is an opportunity to highlight the hard work and commitment these learners have given to improve their lives," said Peter Gillis, event organizer and executive director of the Valley Community Learning Association.