National Adult Literacy Database

FREDERICTON, NB ̶ Continuous learning has a ripple effect, not only for learners but for teachers and the communities in which they reside.

Each year at this time, the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) joins literacy and essential skills organizations from across Canada to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week.

Coming up April 6-14, 2013, the week is set aside to recognize the importance of learning throughout life. It’s also time to salute learners who stretch their potential each year and to give credit to instructors who dedicate their efforts to helping these individuals.

We are still learning. Are you?

“Learning, in all its forms and at all stages of life, is at the centre of everything we do at NALD,” says Bill Stirling, Chief Executive Officer. “We value independence and self-reliance, both as an organization in what we do, and in the transformational impact that improved literacy skills have on the lives of those whom we ultimately seek to support.”

As Canadians, we count on a skilled workforce to allow us to prosper in the global economy, Bill said.

“New technologies and new applications are constantly challenging individuals both in their personal lives and at work. We all therefore must strive to meet these challenges head on.”

Dianne Ward is a literacy instructor for the Gateway to Learning program with the Thames Valley District School Board in Woodstock, Ontario. Most of her students have learning disabilities, she says, and have struggled with their lives and in school. However, she and they persevere.

“Students love to see their progress and to see how far they can go. They have their own charts and when we complete a task they check it off and that is a great motivator,” she said.

Dianne has watched as her students have developed self-esteem and have become active members of the community. Beyond classes, the students have participated in walks to raise money, volunteered at a seniors’ centre and taken up public speaking.

“The end goals involve ‘fitting in’ but the students are also transferring their skills into the community,” Dianne said. “Some of the students have enrolled in other human interest courses, such as cooking classes, and feel confident they will be able to join in discussions. I think all of the students realize that learning never ends and there is a lot of partnering that goes on in Woodstock.”

Students in the Gateway to Learning literacy classes learn that other classmates are struggling with similar issues such as being alone, financial problems, social concerns, depression and difficulty dealing with situations. “The class has broken down these barriers as so many successes have been reached,” Dianne said.

Her advice to her students is always ‘Be proud of your accomplishments, get out in the community and get involved to help where you can. And keep the wonderful friendships you’ve made in class.’

“My students surprise me every day with their stories and adventures,” Dianne said. “They might have struggled with their education earlier but by having the right environment they can learn anything.”

Brimming with pride, Rob, one of Dianne’s students, says: “Learning means not having to struggle with every third word in a story and having to ask someone what the word is. I can now read a story by myself.”

NALD is the lead network that Canadians rely on to connect them with information, tools, resources, knowledge and expertise to enhance life-long and life-wide learning.

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NALD contact:

Christy English
Editor/Stakeholder Liaison
Tel: 506-462-5034 or toll-free: 1-800-720-6253
Email: [email protected]