Government Launches Adult Learning Initiative

Education Minister Jane Purves launched a new initiative today that will help as many as 1,400 adult Nova Scotians get access to a high school education every year.

"Our goal is to ensure that Nova Scotians can participate in programs that will improve their skills, broaden their opportunities in the job market, and increase their quality of life," said Ms. Purves. "Learning is the foundation for Nova Scotia's social and economic prosperity."

The Department of Education will create a new Nova Scotia High School Diploma for Adults that will serve as the foundation for all adult upgrading programs at the high school level.

A more flexible system that acknowledges prior learning will allow graduates to meet high school graduation outcomes similar to those needed for the Nova Scotia High School Diploma. The adult diploma program will be available in both French and English.

The Department of Education will also create the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning to co-ordinate the delivery of programs that lead to the adult high school diploma.

Students enrolled in the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning will pay no tuition fees.

"We are aiming to reduce the barriers that prevent adults from getting the basic education they need," Ms. Purves said. "Students will have better access to programs--at an affordable cost."

The government of Nova Scotia will make an annual investment of at least $3.5 million when the program is fully implemented. The funds will cover tuition and program costs to serve around 1,400 Nova Scotia adults.

In the first year, which will start in September 2001, the province will spend approximately $1.5 million to accommodate around 800 adult learners. Adults should be able to access courses at more than 50 sites across the province.

This is in addition to the current investments in adult upgrading and literacy through the Community Learning Initiative and the community colleges.

Government will also pursue opportunities to find additional funding to expand the program in future years.

"We know that as a person's education and literacy levels rise, so do their chances of higher-paying and more rewarding jobs," said Ann Marie Downie, chairperson of the Nova Scotia Provincial Literacy Coalition. "That means better support for Nova Scotia families, increased ability to contribute to the community and a general sense of confidence that we all desire."

The Department of Education will be responsible for co-ordinating both the diploma and the school for adult learning.

Programs will be offered primarily through the Nova Scotia Community College, College de L'Acadie and school boards. Organizations under the Community Learning Initiative will continue to deliver basic literacy programs to adults beginning the learning process.

"All stakeholders need to work together to reduce our current skills gap," said Ray Ivany, president of the Nova Scotia Community College. "Only by increasing access to both adult basic education and post-secondary training can we ensure that Nova Scotia continues its trend toward prosperity."

The Department of Education will consult with service delivery partners over the coming months to finalize the diploma and its related programs.