5. Adult Literacy Organizations in HRM

5.1. Overview

Adult literacy has moved a long way up the educational, social and employment agendas internationally, as well as in Canada and in Nova Scotia with the release of the findings of the International Adult Literacy Survey. This survey and work by a variety of organizations including the Roeher Institute, ABC Canada and others, provides definitive data to support the concerns that the literacy community has had for many years but which had not received serious attention from governments or the private sector. In recent years, significant effort, resources and funding have been allocated to the adult literacy agenda in Nova Scotia.

There is no shortage of literacy providers in the region. The Halifax Regional Library website has the most comprehensive list of programs. It provides detailed information about 83 programs in total including public, private and ESL programs. Of those, 54 programs appear to be suitable for the target population in this study. The descriptions of these programs are found in the accompanying document, Directory of Adult Literacy Programs in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

5.2. Skills Nova Scotia

Skills Nova Scotia is the province's new labour market framework. Six key elements are critical to the success of the skills framework. One of the 6 elements is

"Inclusion of every Nova Scotian by ensuring access to opportunities allowing them to become actively involved in the labour market".

A full description of the key elements is found in Appendix 5.

5.3. Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL)

The NSSAL is a new multi–phase learning initiative announced by the Government of Nova Scotia in November 2000 and launched in September 2001 and is a key component of Skills Nova Scotia. Funding is provided by the Departments of Education and Community Services, and by HRDC. The coordinating body is within the Department of Education.

NSSAL is a continuum of educational programs for adults ranging from basic literacy to high school completion delivered in a partnership arrangement with a number of organizations including:

  • The Nova Scotia Community College;
  • College de l'Acadie;
  • Regional School Boards / Adult High Schools; and
  • Community based literacy organizations.

13 Skills Nova Scotia, Framework and 2002–2003 Action Plan, pages 12–14