NALD - Canada's one-stop literacy information centre
What is NALD?
The National Adult Literacy Database lnc. (NALD) is a federally incorporated, non-profit service organization which fills the need for an up-to-date and easily accessible database of adult literacy programs, resources, services and activities across Canada. It also links with other services and databases in North America and overseas.
From its base at Scovil House in Fredericton, New Brunswick, NALD connects with major literacy organizations and advocacy groups in communities, schools and local government departments across the country. These major partners help to extend the NALD network more efficiently to smaller, more specialized service groups and program deliverers in both remote and urban areas.
NALD is now in its sixth year of operation, providing data, referrals, program models and much more, on virtually every adult literacy program in the country. It helps users to build on the experience and expertise of over 5,900 contacts and programs (including Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language) from Newfoundland to the Yukon, as well as around the world on the Internet.
What information is available through NALD?
NALD gathers, sorts, stores and makes available information on literacy programming, resources, services, contacts, events, awards, funding sources, and, most importantly, resources that can be used in the learning situation thereby levelling the playing field somewhat in an often resource-poor adult education environment.
How does NALD disseminate its information?
NALD provides adult literacy information to practitioners, teachers, volunteers, program administrators, policy setters and learners across the country through its toll-free number, on the Internet through its World Wide Web site (http://www.nald.ca), and through its newsletter which it publishes quarterly. The toll-free number provides callers with easy access to information, and one-stop-shopping for practitioners, advocacy groups and others seeking information on materials, resources, funding, programming, etc. It also ensures that existing private and public programs are listed in the data base to ensure appropriate referrals.
For individuals and groups who have access to the lnternet, NALD provides immediate access to literacy information through its World Wide Web site. Through NALD, participants are able to interact with colleagues across the country and around the world and post information on NALD's Web site for others to view. NALD brings together dedicated and innovative people; it shows them how to make the best use of the technology they have; and it points them in the right direction on the information highway.
Through its newsletters, Networks, NALD is able to disseminate adult literacy information to Canada's entire literacy community who do not have access to its World Wide Web site on the internet.
What need does NALD fill?
With Canada's dramatic shift from a resource to an information-based economy, new technology is quickly changing the face of employment across industries.
NALD can be the vehicle for learners to be linked to the services they need. It can assist the literacy community in delivering training efficiently and appropriately to so many different groups with unique and pressing needs. NALD is a cost-effective national information network that facilitates crucial linkages and provides the necessary information for the delivery of literacy and basic skills training across Canada. Nald is funded by the National Literacy Secretariat, Human Resource Development Canada and supported by the Government of New Brunswick, Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology, the Movement for Canadian Literacy, Association of Canadian Community Colleges and ABC Canada.
For more information on NALD, please contact:
National Adult Literacy Database Inc.
Scovil House, 703 Brunswick Street
Fredericton, NB E3B 1H8
Telephone: (506) 457-6900
1-800-720-NALD (6253)
Fax: (506) 457-6910
Email: info@nald.ca
