News release

You're Never Too Old to Learn

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Three exceptional adult learners were celebrated during an event that capped off Adult Learners' Week.

At the event hosted by Literacy Nova Scotia, Joel Hatt, of Gold River, Sara Bourque, from Pictou, and Jennifer Lillington, of Ingonish, were recognized for their essays on this year's adult learning week theme New Skills, New Confidence. Participants were asked to submit essays chronicling their personal journey as an adult learner.

"I went to the South Shore Work Activity Program in my 54th year of life, much older than all of the other participants," said Mr. Hatt. "Among other things, I learned how to prepare a resume and now I'm working again. It goes to show you're never too old to learn."

UNESCO's International Adult Learners' Week celebrates the achievements of adult learners and the organizations that support them, as well as the tremendous benefit of lifelong learning.

"More than 100,000 Nova Scotian adults have little to no formal education and many more lack the literacy skills needed to compete in the job market," said Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. "With appropriate support, there is vast potential for adult learners to help strengthen the economy and bridge anticipated gaps in the workforce."

As part of the province's jobsHere plan to grow Nova Scotia's economy, a number of programs and projects are aimed at helping adult learners reach their full potential.

"Literacy Nova Scotia supports learning wherever it happens, in workplaces, communities, classrooms and within families," said Ann Marie Downie, executive director, Literacy Nova Scotia. "Our contest winners are ambassadors of adult learning, their submissions speak of change, optimism, and are an inspiration to us all."

For more information about adult learning opportunities in Nova Scotia, go to www.goNSSAL.ca or 1-877-go-NSSAL (1-877-466-7725).