National Adult Literacy Database

In times of economic uncertainty and ever-changing information technology, organizations – whether in the public domain or private sector – are often obligated to sit back, reflect and re-evaluate their activities and priorities. With this in mind, the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) is adapting some of its services and setting a new course for the future.

Grass Roots Press, in partnership with ABC Life Literacy Canada, is delighted to announce the September release of four new titles to the popular adult literacy Good Reads book series. Good Reads are original books by bestselling Canadian authors written for adult literacy and ESL learners.

"We are passionate about children's literacy and have been proud to support the TD Summer Reading Club for the past 17 years," said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. "Together with our partners at the Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada we are thrilled to bring this program to more than 550,000 children once again this year."

Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI) has announced the 15 community organizations that have been awarded a total of $999,267 from the TD Financial Literacy Grant Fund to support financial literacy projects.

Pathways to Education is inviting Canadians to give the Gift of Graduation by recognizing the teacher, tutor, mentor, coach or role model who played an important role in their life. Participants can post their personal message on Pathways "Graduation Nation Wall" on Facebook.

There’s one fact that usually gets slipped into the bottom of news reports on the Quebec student protests: that the province has some of the lowest tuition rates in Canada. But how low is low? Compare for yourself.

With funding from the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, CLLN is conducting a labour market study of literacy and essential skills (L/ES) workers. CLLN seeks to consolidate what is known about the L/ES workforce and determine the value of, and whether there is a need for, occupational standards and/or credentials.

CUPE has been active in literacy work for over a decade. A right for all, literacy helps workers succeed on the job and in life, and it can be a critical foundation for further training and education.

While humour can be used to great effect in the workplace, be cautious about flexing your funny bone during the application process. It's okay to show some personality in your resume and cover letter, but don't go overboard. Attempts at humour don't always translate on paper.

The Yukon Literacy Coalition is receiving $200,000 so it can continue operating the Family Literacy Centre for another year, Education Minister Scott Kent has announced. The funding will allow the coalition to continue running the centre while a business plan to secure long-term funding from multiple partners is developed.

The world premiere of "The Hockey Sweater" musical will be hosted by famed Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden and narrated by the original author himself, Roch Carrier. Mr. Carrier is the honorary chairperson of NALD.

“Ministers of education recognize that Canada works best when all citizens have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed,” said Ramona Jennex, Minister of Education for Nova Scotia and current Chair of CMEC. “This means there can be no one left behind: young people, adult workers, Aboriginal Canadians, new immigrants, and those with differing abilities. All must have access to quality educational opportunities to ensure their success.”

Adult learning in Canada and around the world since the Second World War owes a great deal to a handful of Canadians who continue to provide leadership today. Although adult education has been practised in Canada since the early 19th century, it wasn’t until after the war that it developed its own formal field of study.

Take part in the celebration of International Adult Learners’ Week by practising your literacy skills - read about a new hobby, complete a crossword, word jumble or Sudoku puzzle, or sign up for a professional development program at work.

Spring is all about new beginnings and there is no better time of year to refresh your skills and focus on lifelong learning.