National Adult Literacy Database

This is a reminder that the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) has taken steps to enhance its popular online library. NALD library users have the opportunity to post their comments when accessing and making use of online resources. This interactive feature is designed to help promote the high calibre of the NALD library offerings and also to assist users in their search for resources that are best suited to their purposes.

This year British Columbia will present the COF Literacy Award to an organization that, through partnerships and collaborations, demonstrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. As noted by Paige MacFarlane, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, “We are proud of all of our recipients, as well as all those who have been nominated over the years. The depth and breadth of work promoting literacy is truly impressive.”

Ontario universities are joining forces to expand online learning for students in the province and beyond. They are using technology to meet the growing demand for courses and programs delivered outside the traditional classroom setting or courses that blend both traditional and electronic delivery.

SEDI is actively seeking nominations from its partners and the public for its 2013 SEDI Awards. Nominations are open until May 9, 2013. Nominate someone who has inspired you and made a real difference in the lives of low-income Canadians through their work or the example of their own life journey.

Literacy Partners of Manitoba leads the way in increasing peoples’ awareness of the importance of literacy and essential skills in Manitoba: they work with communities to develop knowledge and expertise; showcase the best projects and people who help them in working with literacy; and build networks and form partnerships with stakeholders and individuals who are part of the cause. The Raise-a-Reader Fund is an extension of LPM, which has been secured and supported by PostMedia and the Winnipeg Free Press.

The federal government has announced a significant investment in Canada's colleges and polytechnics through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The announcement was part of the Minister of State's keynote address at the Association of Canadian Community Colleges' Applied Research Symposium.

According to Randy Dickinson, chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, on the occasion of Equality Day, April 17: "On that special date, we will be celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that embodies Canada's commitment to equality and justice for all."

LCNB reports that its Adult Learners’ Writing Contest, Message in a Bottle, was a great success this year with 33 submissions from adult learners across New Brunswick. They congratulate all who entered the contest and thank them for "spreading the word about adult learning through your own powerful words and stories."

The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) invites eligible organizations to submit concept papers to indicate their interest in being part of a pan-Canadian network (PCN) focused on improving the labour market outcomes of Canadians through strengthened literacy and essential skills (LES).

Campus Stores Canada (CSC) released a landmark study on the use and perception of "access code" learning materials among Canadian students and faculty. The study demonstrated that the use of such codes was widespread, but more education is needed regarding how they work and how much they cost.

"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 financial literacy of Canadians is vital," said Chris White, Vice-President of Government Relations for IBC. "Canadian families are working harder than ever and deserve to know how to spend and invest those hard-earned dollars to secure their futures."

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.

Each month NALD releases Library user statistics in a feature known as the Top 20 downloads/20 Plus téléchargés. The report examines the number of NALD Library documents, in both English and French, which are viewed and downloaded by visitors to the websites NALD and BDAA.

Through a nine-month project, Literacy Link South Central talked to young single males on Ontario Works to find out about their interests and activities, especially as they relate to technology. This research informed the content of a set of four modules (with accompanying practitioner overviews that speak to the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework (OALCF) and a general introduction guide).