Adult Basic Education tender release

(Gov. NL news release, May 23, 2013) Today, the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, issued a tender call for the delivery of ABE. The purpose of the tender is to secure qualified providers for the program in specific locations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.The tender call applies only to communities where CNA is the sole provider of ABE with the exception of instances where ABE is delivered at night school and the Waterford Bridge Road Centre.

Provincial Literacy Council marks 25th anniversary, honours special volunteer and student

Marking their 25th anniversary helping youth and adults better their personal literacy strength, the Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council honoured a special tutor and student at this year’s annual banquet.The 2012 Provincial Student of the Year award was given to Aggie Snooks of Stephenville, while Maureen Kennedy of Corner Brook received the 2012 Susie Day Volunteer of the Year award.

NS protects International Students in Language Schools

(NS Labour and Advanced Education, April 23, 2013) Nova Scotia is the first province to introduce legislation that will regulate language schools. "Today's bill will also protect Nova Scotia's reputation as an education destination for international students," said Mr. Corbett. East Coast School of Languages president Sheila Nunn said the legislation demonstrates the provincial government's recognition of the significant contribution that accredited language schools make, both culturally and financially, to the Nova Scotia economy.

Gain effective tools to Spark Positive Change

'Practical Strategies’ for a More Positive and Peaceful Life at Work and Home: Join The Virtues Project for an afternoon workshop, and gain effective tools you can use to spark positive change in yourself and your work & home environments.

Literacy NL recognises the Important Role of the Literacy Volunteer

As part of National Volunteer Week, Literacy NL would like to acknowledge the many volunteers in our province who contribute their time to building a culture of lifelong learning in NL. Our community volunteers share their skills freely - in adult learning programs, in our public schools, and in community organizations - so that others may reach their potential. If you would like to make a difference in your community, please visit our Find a Program page or call the Literacy NL Learn Line at 1 800 563 1111 to identify a community organization with which you can volunteer your services.

Celebrate with Rabbittown Learners Program!

Rabbitown Learners program is 25 years old. The Rabbittown Learners Program in St. John’s invites learners, volunteers and staff from the past 25 years of successfully supporting adult learning to its anniversary celebrations in May 2013. Members of the public are welcome to an open house at 21 Merrymeeting Road (the HUB) on Thursday May 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Have you Completed the Literacy and Essential Skills Workforce Survey?

Paid L/ES practitioners (instructors, trainers, coordinators, assessors, program managers, supervisors, administrators, etc.) from across Canada are invited to participate in this vital research project funded by the Government of Canada, Office of Literacy and Essential Skills under the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program (ALLESP). The success of the survey and the impact it will have on gaining recognition for the L/ES field depend critically on your participation. The more L/ES practitioners who respond to this survey, the more accurate, representative and powerful the results will be.

Not for Profit Student Employment Program

The Government of NL is now looking for sponsor applications for their Student Work Experience program; application deadline is May 6, 2013. The organization will receive 100% funding to hire a student to assist and contribute in the fulfillment of its mandate; organizations will benefit from the skills, talent, energy and enthusiasm of a post-secondary student without incurring extra costs for staffing. School Districts, municipalities and non-profit community agencies are eligible for funding.

Reflections on the importance of Adult Learning

(The Huffington Post, April 5, 2013) As Canada continuously seeks to improve adult education and training opportunities and outcomes, valuing non-formal and informal learning is becoming increasingly important. This year UNESCO published new Guidelines for the Recognition, Validation and Accreditation of the Outcomes of Non-formal and Informal Learning. Recognizing learning that takes place outside of formal settings is considered by UNESCO to be essential for building a culture of lifelong learning. It makes it more apparent that all learners are individuals at the centre of their own personal learning journey.

Government once again drops the ball on Strategic Adult Literacy Plan

(NL Liberals media advisory, April 10) Opposition Advanced Education and Skills Critic Andrew Parsons is concerned about Government’s latest broken promise to release a Strategic Adult Literacy Plan, which has been in the works since 2008.