National Adult Literacy Database

Industry, government and stakeholders are all paying tribute to Alberta’s top apprentices, instructors and employers. The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board has named the recipients of its annual awards, which recognize excellence in the trades.

For people to want to read, they must see themselves in the story, which one Canadian author says has been a stumbling block for aboriginal youth.

“Canada’s social and economic future lies in the continued educational growth of its citizens,” said Andrew Parkin, director general of CMEC. “Whether it is learning a new language, improving our literacy, or acquiring the skills needed for a new career, adult learning offers us the chance to grow as individuals and in doing so create positive change in our homes, communities and country.”

“The federal government plays a central role in funding programs that aim to improve quality and accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada,” said Zachary Dayler, national director of CASA. "The federal and provincial governments must work collaboratively toward a sustainable funding model that respects provincial and federal jurisdictions.”

In this inaugural issue of ‘Insights,’ OLES focuses on employer perceptions of workplace literacy and essential skills training.

Canada Post has announced that nominations for the 2011 Canada Post Community Literacy Awards are being accepted until June 3, 2011. Nominations can be made in two categories: Individual Achievement and Educator.

About 50 people attended the Never Ending Learning Conference Saturday in northeast Edmonton, an event organized by adult literacy students with The Learning Centre Literacy Association.

The University of Alberta faculty of extensionis pleased to announce it will be participating in this year's Adult Learners' Week. Events planned include a panel discussion on the importance of continuing adult education and a free public lecture titled "Take this Job and Love It."

This study kit includes literacy activities that can be used with adult learners during an election period. The focus is on helping learners make informed decisions about the election and, at the same time, develop their vocabulary and their understanding of elections and the democratic process.  

Literacy Alberta Executive Director, Janet Lane, is one of five Book Champions for the 2011 Alberta Readers' Choice Awards.  She's been reviewing the Top Ten Books, of which each Book Champion will pick one for the Top Five, announced May 1 2011. Stay tuned for more info and visit the ARC Awards site is one of five Book Champions for the 2011 Alberta Readers' Choice Awards.

The LEARN program has successfully assisted thousands of adult learners looking to improve their literacy skills. It allows Canadian adults to easily access information about local literacy organizations and help them move forward in finding an appropriate learning program.

Training sessions will be held to introduce Read Forward, a new adult reading resource developed by the Centre for Foundational Learning at Bow Valley College in Calgary.

Twitter is not just your friends telling you what they ate for breakfast. Increasingly, news stories that arise – a tsunami, a plane crash, the score of a hockey game, the latest Charlie Sheen gossip – arrive in tweets from people we follow on Twitter.

Whether at work, in your community or with your family at home, mark IALW 2011 (April 2-9) in your calendar and participate. Spreading the word about the importance of lifelong learning contributes to more opportunities for all.

The 2011 Census Adult Education Kit provides an excellent introduction to the census. It explains what a census is, how the 2011 Census will work, and why the census is important. Adult students will learn how their personal information is protected, and how to seek help if they have difficulty answering the questions.