National Adult Literacy Database

Please take a few minutes to fill out this short feedback survey regarding ABC Life Literacy Canada's and Natrel Baboo's joint project: Family Literacy Resources for New Parents. The survey must be completed before 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, May 24, 2013, for your chance to win a Family Literacy Day prize pack.

In the coming months, the Government of Canada will take several steps to bring players together and stimulate innovative ideas for addressing social and economic challenges. The Government will look to leaders in the social finance sector, such as the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, the Centre for Impact Investing at MaRS, Vancouver City Savings Credit Union, Social Capital Partners, and others to help identify a way forward.

Learning disabilities are commonly considered a school-based issue; but struggling in school means struggling in life. This makes learning to be confident and acquiring a healthy mental attitude a particular challenge for those with learning disabilities. With children and youth as this year's focus for Mental Health Awareness Week, I would like to call attention to the relationship between mental health issues and learning disabilities.

Beginning in January 2014, the GED® test will move from a paper-based to a computer-based format, which simply means that you will complete the test using a computer and not on paper. The test content will remain the same – five tests: Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Social Studies; Science; and Math.

As part of National Volunteer Week, Literacy NL has acknowledged the many volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador who contribute their time to building a culture of lifelong learning in the province. Community volunteers share their skills freely - in adult learning programs, in public schools and in community organizations - so others may reach their potential.

The ACCC Board is pleased to announce it has named Denise Amyot as the new President and CEO of the Association, effective June 4, 2013. Ms. Amyot most recently served as President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, where she built on her track record of leadership excellence by implementing a strategic plan emphasizing beneficial partnerships with private sector, government institutions, not-for-profit organizations and academia.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gillian Mason as the new president of the national non-profit adult literacy and essential skills organization. Ms. Mason will begin her new role on May 21, 2013.

I DO BUSINESS - National Summit & Tradeshow was held on March 4-6, 2013 in Toronto. The three-day event was a great success, with over 150 individuals participating from coast to coast to coast. This National Summit boasted a variety of top-notch speakers on business and Aboriginal Entrepreneurship. Participants also noted that the networking opportunities were excellent, with many people leaving the event with binders full of business cards representing new opportunities and new friends.

Every year, many Canadians, particularly those on low incomes, miss out on a range of financial benefits and supports they are entitled to from the federal government. There are many reasons for this ‘low take-up’. Many may not know they are eligible. Or, they may face challenges applying for benefits or filing their income tax returns. Many simply do not know where to turn for help.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s annual fundraiser, Letters for Literacy, engages businesses to purchase a letter of the alphabet in support of adult literacy initiatives.

"Much commentary has gone under the bridge in the days since the Government of NL released its 2013 budget. As taxpayers, we all have a stake in the investments our government makes in this province." - Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador

The aim of this survey is to gather a broad base of information about adult learners in Canada. Intended for anyone who has taken an adult learning course over the past year, the survey closes at the end of Adult Learners' Week April 6-14.

This is the week we celebrate adult learners here in our community and across the country for their commitment to lifelong learning. The time and energy they devote to learning have personal benefits but also improves our communities and workplaces. Adult Learners’ Week is also the perfect opportunity to explore the many types of learning available to adults from all walks of life.

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.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is facing very real challenges related to our population and demographics in the coming years. In fact by 2020 we will need 70,000 skilled people to ensure we can take maximum advantage of the economic opportunities before us. Through our recently announced Population Growth Strategy, we will build on the work of the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism and keep attracting new Canadians as part of our plan to address these challenges." -- Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills