National Adult Literacy Database

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).

LNS is pleased to announce the 2013 Adult Learner Recognition Awards will be presented at the NSPGI Golf Tournament on June 13. These awards are given to adult learners in Nova Scotia who have shown exceptional progress and achievement in learning and literacy.

When Julia Geist was asked to draw a picture of a computer scientist last year, the 16-year-old sketched a businessman wearing glasses and a tie. Looking around at her classmates’ drawings, she saw similar depictions of men. Now, Ms. Geist said, “I see a computer scientist could be anyone” — including herself.

In response to the recent announcement from James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, on the renewal of the Roadmap for Canada’s Official Languages 2013-2018, CEDEC is pleased to share that it will be well positioned to continue creating entrepreneurial communities and strengthening the labour force.

Working together, Ontario’s training system can achieve better employment and career advancement results for lower-skilled adults who are either on income support or are in low-wage jobs. By looking to the promising work being done in other jurisdictions, developing career ladders in Ontario could provide adults with concrete steps towards better skills and better jobs, contributing to a more productive, prosperous economy.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government is planning to privatize part of the College of the North Atlantic's curriculum. As outlined in the provincial budget, the college will lose its Adult Basic Education program. The program is currently offered at 12 campuses across the province.

The Dutch Reading & Writing Foundation (Stichting Lezen & Schrijven) is collecting information from nine different countries to compile a comparative perspective on delivery models and governmental policy in adult literacy.

Literacy and lifelong learning are important tools that give Canadians the skills necessary to understand how to read, communicate with others and engage fully and confidently in all areas of life. One of the goals of Adult Learners’ Week is to promote and facilitate easier access to these opportunities.

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.

With a growing economy and an impressive list of resource mega-projects on its horizon, the Northwest Territories is on the verge of an historic boom. Add the upcoming economic jolt of Devolution, previewed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper's recent trip to Yellowknife, and the future really does look like it belongs to Canada's North.

Recent findings by Hotels.com, which looked at the amount of paid and public holiday time around the world, reveal that Canada is near the bottom of global rankings with a mere 15 days, beaten only by Mexico at 13. On the opposite end of the spectrum was Russia, which came out on top with a staggering average of 40 days of paid leave.

Mentoring is an effective program to help newcomers find jobs that match their skills and talent. It is built on a simple foundation: connecting an internationally trained professional with their Canadian counterpart. But what is the impact?

These awards were initiated by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick in honour of Sheree Fitch, the organization's honorary patron. They are given to adult learners who are currently enrolled in a community-based literacy program in New Brunswick. The learner must be showing potential and a commitment to staying in the program.