ABE Level I pilot sites re-open across province

Today, International Literacy Day, Education minister John Ottenheimer is pleased to announce the nine adult literacy sites which are currently piloting the new ABE Level 1 model have re-opened after their summer break, and that classes will begin for students on September 13. This is the second and final year of the two-year ABE Level I pilot project. Each of the nine sites will receive a total of $41,000 during this school year to support their operations. A partial payment of $30,000 is currently being distributed to each site as they begin operations for this year.

"Government has committed to taking measures to provide access to literacy services throughout the province," said Minister Ottenheimer. "The ABE Level I pilot project is providing us with information that will help us achieve this goal. We must continue our efforts to develop an environment which promotes literacy for all people. Those who improve their literacy levels have a better opportunity to fully participate in and contribute to their communities, something we as a government will continue to support as we work towards strengthening economic growth and diversity."

This program has been jointly funded by the provincial Department of Education and the National Literacy Secretariat, HRSDC. Each pilot site can accommodate 12 full-time students. Due to the nature of the ABE Level I Program, new students may enrol throughout the year as seats become available.

For more information on the ABE Level I pilot project, please visit the ABE Level I Pilot Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/edu/adult/abe_lev1.htm or call the Division of Adult Learning and Literacy, Department of Education, at 729-6185.

The nine pilot sites are:

Bay St. George Learning Centre, Stephenville
The Learning Centre, Corner Brook
Fogo Island Community Education Centre, Fogo
Laubach Learning Centre, Marystown
Port Hope Simpson Learning Centre, Port Hope Simpson
St. Barbe Development Association, Plum Point
Southern Avalon Development Association, Trepassey
St. John's Learning Centre, St. John's
Gander and Area ABE Level I Program, Gander

Media contact: Lynn Salter, Communications, (709) 729-0048

2004 09 08                        11:35 a.m.