In recognition of International Literacy Day and Adult Learners' Week, Education Minister Chester Gillan addressed Charlottetown Rotarians at their luncheon meeting earlier today.
International Literacy Day is recognized on September 8 each year. This year represents Canada's first step in a concerted effort to raise the profile and promote adult learning throughout life among the general public and in various learning environments. Adult Learners' Week is being recognized in Canada from September 8 through to September 14, 2002.
"In recent years we have been learning more and more about the impact that low level literacy skills have on each and every aspect of our lives," Minister Gillan said at today's Rotary luncheon. "High level literacy skills are key to personal development and economic opportunity – and a major factor in our ability to participate as active citizens in all areas of society. For these reasons, literacy is everyone's business."
The Department of Education celebrated International Literacy Day at the Charlottetown Driving Park last week with the running of the first Literacy Pace. Minister Gillan will attend the PEI Literacy Alliance's Annual General Meeting this evening and present two awards related to adult learning: the award to the individual who attained the highest GED score in Prince Edward Island in the year 2001 and Atomic Energy of Canada bursary which is presented to an individual who has passed the GED test and is pursuing post-secondary education.
International Adult Learners' Week marks the kick-off to a year-long campaign that encourages organizations to promote adult learning throughout life. Its objectives are to expand and encourage adult education, promote the joy of learning and awaken interest in pursuing learning activities.
During the Rotary luncheon, Minister Gillan spoke of his department's support of recent work in the area of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).
"I am pleased to state that the Department of Education supports in principle and encourages the building of interconnected learning communities through the formal recognition of prior learning," said Minister Gillan. "PLAR is meaningful when we connect it with what we know will be major shortages in the skilled trades. We know that we will have many highly skilled workers who, for various reasons, do not have formal training and accreditation. Traditional recognition will simply not be able to fill the demand."
For more information on provincial literacy initiatives, Adult Learners' Week and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, please contact the Literacy Initiatives Secretariat at the Department of Education at 902 368 6286.