by
Barb Parker -
CLI Administrator

The Nova Scotia Community Learning Initiative (CLI) was created in 1994 as a response to a province-wide need for literacy and upgrading programs. Through this Initiative, the Adult Education Section of the Department of Education and Culture provides grants, resources and supports to 27 community-based Learning Networks for the delivery of literacy and upgrading programs.

CLI Learning Networks are an example of community partnerships at work. These Networks collaborate on identifying the learning needs of adults in their communities and on developing programs to meet those needs. They are composed of volunteers from many sectors, including cultural groups, school boards, literacy councils, community college campuses, libraries, businesses, unions, visible minorities, government agencies, and community groups.

Many Learning Networks are regionally-based and develop programs which reflect the needs of their geographic areas. Others develop programs which are based on the needs of specific groups of people: the Acadian, the African-Canadian, the Mi’kmaq, the ESL, and the Deaf communities.

The CLI program models are innovative and varied. They include classroom instruction, one-to-one tutoring, distance learning, as well as programs specifically designed for single mothers, for ex-offenders and persons in correctional institutions, and for people living with disabilities. Since it began in 1994, the CLI has offered almost 6,000 adult learners opportunities for improving their literacy and numeracy skills, for increasing their self-confidence, for acquiring new skills, and for personal growth.

The CLI Learning Networks have become very active in supporting their programs with such activities as curriculum development, the creation of promotional materials and professional development activities. Through the National Literacy Secretariat and the PGI grant structures, Nova Scotians have benefited through such projects as The Sea and Me Manual, developed by the Shelburne County Learning Network and Développer la confiance par Équipe de travail en alphabétisation. Networks have used PGI grant dollars to reduce such barriers to program participation as transportation and child care costs.

In its Final Report last year, one Network stated that the CLI “has been a positive experience for our community because it has brought a wide range of people and organizations together to provide a service which might otherwise not be available.” In a true partnership, everyone must benefit and the Community Learning Initiative allows this to happen.