Issues, Trends, Supports & Resources - A Profile of the Quad Counties in the Strait Region

5.1 Community Learning Initiative

The Community Learning Initiative (CLI) was introduced by the Nova Scotia Department of Education in 1994 as a province-wide response to the literacy and upgrading needs of adult learners. Literacy and upgrading programs are supported through a system of 30 community-based networks. Approximately 40 programs served over 2,100 learners in 2002-2003.¹⁹ Many CLI Networks are regionally based and develop programs that reflect the needs of their geographic areas. They also develop a wide variety of literacy and upgrading opportunities that target every segment of society. In 1994, when the program was introduced, annual provincial funding for CLI was $1.6 million. In 2002-2003, $2.5 million was provided by the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) to community-based programs for adults at Level I and II.

There are four CLI Networks in the Strait Region:

Antigonish County Adult Learning Association (ACALA)
Guysborough County Adult Learning Association (GALA)
Richmond County Literacy Network
Inverness County Literacy Network &Port Hawkesbury Literacy Council

Each of the Networks offers Level I and II programs to adult learners in their counties and until 2001, Level III programs were also offered in the community. With the introduction of the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning the responsibility for the delivery of Level III programming was transferred to the Community College. However, because of the rural nature of the area served by the CLI Networks in the Strait Region, GALA provided Level III programming for the past 2 years, and ACALA is providing Level III in Antigonish Town and County in 2003/2004. As of February of 2004, 287 adults are currently enrolled in CLI programs in the Strait Region and over the past 2 years approximately 500 have participated in community-based programming in this area.

The success of the CLI Networks in the community is directly related to the partnerships they have forged. Strong alliances with municipalities, the private sector, non-government organizations, schools, and community groups have contributed to the success of the Networks. This support has allowed many of these organizations to diversify and expand their mandates to include initiatives other than Level I and II adult learning programs. By incorporating and expanding their services the Networks have attempted to ensure a more inclusive and functional society in their communities.