ABC Life Literacy Canada says back-to-school season isn’t just for kids. “It also represents an important opportunity for adults who want to upgrade their skills.”
They say with so many literacy organizations, libraries, and community organizations ramping up their offerings, l ike Flagstaff Community Adult Learning (FCAL), September is “ripe with resources, programs, and a renewed focus on education that can greatly benefit adult learners.
ABC Life Literacy says having strong literacy skills can vastly improve the outcomes of Canadians.
“Without strong literacy skills, an employee’s prospects of progressing up the ladder at work are limited, and they’re less able to succeed in the workplace.
“Additionally, Canadians with low literacy are more than twice as likely to experience unemployment than those with higher levels. Adults with low levels of literacy often have difficulty securing housing, rely more heavily on social assistance, and are more likely to find themselves incarcerated.”
While the thought of skills upgrading can feel intimidating, adult literacy programs designed for adults are tailored to be supportive and accommodating.
“This time of year, when everyone is thinking about children heading back to school, there’s a large cohort of adults who are also taking steps to improve their lives,” says Alison Howard, Executive Director of ABC Life Literacy Canada.
“By investing in upgrading their literacy skills, adults can achieve personal growth, improve their career prospects and engage in lifelong learning.
“The back-to-school season is a reminder that learning is a continuous journey, beneficial at all stages of life.”
Flagstaff Adult Learning Centre in Killam is holding an Open House on Thursday, Sept. 12, where they are inviting anyone interested in furthering their lifelong learning journey to join them for a free lunch. “Come and meet the team, sign up for classes or let us know what you want to learn!”
Other literacy resources are available at http://www.abclifeliteracy.ca.
Leslie Cholowsky
Editor