Adult learners encouraged to take advantage of educational opportunities

Beginning this week, numerous adult learning centres throughout the province will open their doors and begin offering ABE Level 1 courses, as well as one-on-one learning opportunities. A total of 13 organizations are slated to receive funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to deliver these services.

According to Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education, it is a good time during International Adult Learners� Week to remind the public of the availability of adult learning opportunities.

�International Adult Learners� Week is a time for all individuals to reflect on the importance of literacy,� said Minister Hedderson. �Adult Basic Education is a critical first step for many who want to get involved in our growing economy. That is one of the reasons why we are investing over half a million dollars into adult learning centres throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.�

The minister encouraged those who want to improve their literacy skills to consider calling a nearby literacy centre. �The fuel of the new economy is knowledge. People are best prepared for job opportunities when they have the skills they need to succeed. ABE can provide the basis of these skills and start people on a path towards future success,� noted the minister.

The following sites have signed contracts with the Department of Education to offer basic literacy training and are currently recruiting students to fulfill contractual obligations.

• Baie Verte Peninsula Economic Development Association, Baie Verte, (709) 532-8090
• Bay St. George ABE Learning Centre, Stephenville, (709) 643-4891
• Deer Lake Community Learning Centre, Deer Lake, (709) 635-5747, deerlkclc@nf.aibn.com
• Laubach Learning Centre, Marystown, (709) 279-1176, 1-877-779-7323, BPL@nf.aibn.com
• Learning Centre, Corner Brook, (709) 639-1966, learningcentre@nf.aibn.com
• Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council, Corner Brook, (709) 634-5081, 1-800-863-0373, laubach@nf.aibn.com
• Port Hope Simpson Learning Centre, Port Hope Simpson, (709) 960-0401, phslearningcentre@nf.sympatico.ca
  Rabbittown Learners� Program, St. John�s, (709) 579-6033, rtlp@nf.aibn.com
• St. Barbe Development Association, Plum Point, (709) 247-2371, sbda@nf.aibn.com
• St. John�s Learning Centre, St. John�s, (709) 579-1176
• Southern Avalon Development Association, Trepassey, (709) 438-2651
• Stella Burry Community Services, St. John�s, (709) 579-1181
• Teachers on Wheels, St. John�s, (709) 738-3975, literacy@teachersonwheels.nf.net

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 690-6047

2005 09 13                  1:25 p.m.