Murphy Centre relocation a success

Joan Burke, Minister of Education, announced today that as a result of a provincial investment of $1 million in renovations at the Prince Philip Drive campus of College of the North Atlantic (CNA), the Murphy Centre has a new home. The centre was required to move from its former location on Water Street when the building was sold. CNA had undeveloped classroom space available for rent which met the Murphy Centre�s needs and budget.

�The Murphy Centre provides a valuable service to our youth by offering the High School Credit Program, the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program, personal development programming and career services,� said Minister Burke. �The $1 million we have provided for renovations of the CNA space is a sound investment that will allow the Murphy Centre to continue to operate, while keeping its unique identity in the community.�

Although the Murphy Centre is located at the Prince Philip Drive campus, it remains an independent, distinct learning environment. The new location is fully accessible and offers a bright and spacious learning environment.

The Murphy Centre co-directors, Tim Turner and Tim Thorne report that �the entire Murphy Centre community is enthusiastic about moving to the Prince Philip Drive location from which we will continue to offer the same standard of excellence in academic, career and life skills services that has been the hallmark of the Murphy Centre since 1986. The thorough consultation process leading to the identification and development of the Prince Philip Drive location served to alleviate any apprehension or concern about the future of the organization. Our government partners have been supportive and diligent in helping us secure the future of the centre�s services. College of the North Atlantic has also been extremely generous in welcoming and accommodating us as their neighbor. To celebrate our new location, a formal function will be held later in the fall.�

This is the latest in a series of investments in adult learning announced in recent months, including $1.2 million to increase the number of sites for Adult Basic Education at College of the North Atlantic, and $650,000 to expand the Comprehensive Arts and Science College Transition Program at CNA. �Government is making increasing investments in adult learning programming, including funding to the many non-profit community-based sites that offer Adult Basic Education,� said Minister Burke. �I believe we are making great strides in enhancing quality, improving access and fostering a positive learning experience that will contribute greatly to our students� individual achievement and our overall success as a province.�

The Murphy Centre is a registered non-profit charitable organization governed by a board of directors. It has a mandate to provide academic, career/employment and lifestyle education opportunities to participants. For more information, visit the Murphy Centre web site at www.murphycentre.nf.net.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 09 05                                     9:50 a.m.