Education
October 20, 2008

Literacy Grants Support Adult Learning Opportunities

The Provincial Government is providing more than $480,000 this year to nine community-based organizations for the delivery of Adult Basic Education (ABE) Level I. Interest earned on the Literacy Endowment Fund is also providing $77,000 for two community-based literacy tutoring programs. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, says the investment will help ensure all citizens are positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the labour force and contribute to the development of the province�s skilled workforce.

"ABE and one-on-one tutoring programs are important stepping stones for anyone wanting to strengthen their literacy skills," said Minister Burke. "These programs provide the foundation not just for individual growth, but also the groundwork for people to pursue post-secondary education and eventual participation in our province�s growing economy."

In addition to the literacy grants which are awarded on an annual basis, there has been a series of initiatives in recent years to improve access to adult learning opportunities.

The Comprehensive Arts and Science Transition Program (CAS), designed for those who are experiencing difficulty adapting to college programs, has been expanded with an investment of $650,000. The Murphy Centre, which provides a valuable service to young people who have not completed high school, was allocated $1 million to contribute to the centre�s new accommodations. The Provincial Government has also introduced a $50,000 scholarship program to help recent General Education Development (GED), CAS or ABE graduates with the cost of post-secondary training.

Minister Burke also noted that work continues on the development of a Strategic Adult Literacy Plan. Consultations with various community agencies and stakeholder groups recently concluded. The plan is intended to help strengthen the skills development of the province�s adults.

"More and more, individuals are realizing that education is the key to success and increasing their literacy levels is the first step towards prosperity," said Minister Burke. "I commend all those who have made the decision to seek upgrading and who are pursuing their ABE Level I training, as well as the teachers and volunteers involved with these literacy programs who provide such an important and valuable service."

Funding for the majority of these programs is being provided by the Department of Education�s literacy grants allocation, and interest accrued through the Literacy Endowment Fund.

- 30 -

Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

The following organizations have received grants this year for the delivery of ABE Level I or adult literacy tutoring:

Community Education Network (Stephenville and Cape St. George) - $87,000
The Employment Preparation Centre (Corner Brook) - $41,000
Dunfield Park Community Centre (Corner Brook) - $41,000
Baie Verte Peninsula Economic Development Association (Baie Verte) - $36,708
Burin Peninsula Laubach Literacy Council (Marystown) - $41,000
St. John�s Learning Centre (St. John�s) - $41,000
Stella Burry Community Services (St. John�s) � $75,830
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf (St. John�s) - $41,000
Rabbittown Learners Program (St. John�s) - $82,000
Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council (Corner Brook � services 22 sites) - $38,500
Teachers on Wheels (St. John�s � regional co-ordination) - $38,500

2008 10 20                                                     11:55 a.m.
 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement