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Education
January 27, 2011

1000th Learner Enrolled in Adult Literacy Program

People are getting the message – strong literacy skills are essential for success in the 21st century. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, said evidence of this is that the Department of Education recently enrolled the 1000th adult learner in a community-based literacy program since data first began being collected in 2005.

“This is a fitting time to acknowledge this milestone, given that today is Family Literacy Day,” said Minister Burke. “Government extends congratulations to the community organizations offering basic literacy programming who have made this achievement possible. As we celebrate Family Literacy Day, we also celebrate the many volunteers and community groups who dedicate their time and energy to help improve our provincial literacy levels.”

Prior to 2005, data on learners attending community-based programs was ad-hoc and not readily available to the Department of Education. With community organizations now submitting learner data, the department can access the number of registered participants, track learners’ progress, and analyze demographics to gauge need and demand for programming.

Minister Burke noted that for many years the Provincial Government has been a committed partner with community-based organizations. Services have expanded recently, with online delivery available through four organizations, meaning more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can avail of basic literacy programs.

Since 2004, approximately $40 million has been invested in literacy. With this funding, the number of sites offering Adult Basic Education has increased, a new scholarship program for graduates of adult upgrading programs was introduced, and College of the North Atlantic’s Comprehensive Arts and Science program expanded in order for adult learners to access skills development programs. Community-based literacy programming was also enhanced through improvements in learner data collection, formalized assessment tools, and ensuring appropriate qualifications for instructors.

“Government is committed to removing barriers that prevent adults from improving their skills and education,” said Minister Burke. “Our support and efforts to improve community-based literacy programming has been a valuable investment in the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Our hope is that each improvement we make in literacy programming will translate into improved literacy levels throughout the province.”

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Media contact:
Tara Power
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-720-0048, 727-5953
tarapower@gov.nl.ca 

2010 01 27             10:45 a.m.

 
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