Learning Communities Symposium Continued...

Learning takes place everywhere, in homes, families, communities and workplaces. Literacy is the foundation of so much of what we learn today. LNS is interested in ensuring all Nova Scotians have the opportunity to learn, whether it be formally, informally or through their participation in everyday life. That is why we are excited to promote the Learning Community model. This model of community development, based on learning, can help all communities in Nova Scotia as they make the transition to a more knowledge-based economy.

A recent report, based in part on research conducted in Nova Scotia, points out the importance of learning throughout our working lives. Better-educated individuals earn higher wages, have greater earnings growth over their lifetimes, and experience less unemployment. This means a higher standard of living for the whole country.

In Nova Scotia, thousands of adult learners and their families benefit every year from literacy learning opportunities; their lives change through literacy. These adult learners might be attending a program in their community, such as CALA, or at the community college or in their workplace, or working to develop their literacy skills on their own. This transformation brings employment, improved health, reading to children or grandchildren, justice and civil rights within reach for the nearly 40% of adults who face challenges every day. The Learning Community Symposium is about all learning, including literacy and beyond. It could lead us toward a stronger, richer Nova Scotia for all citizens, resulting in healthier, safer communities, greater economic growth, and fewer people needing social programs.