<p> Literacy and Essential Skills Learning Changes Lives</p><p>Literacy and Essential Skills Learning Changes Lives</p><p>“What people know and what they do with what they know has a major impact on their life chances. Those with low literacy skills are more than twice as likely to be unemployed. But the impact of skills goes far beyond earnings and employment. In all countries, individuals with lower proficiency in literacy are more likely than those with better literacy skills to report poor health, to believe that they have little impact on political processes, and not to participate in associative or volunteer activities. In most countries, they are also less likely to trust others.” Angel Gurría, Secretary-General, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)</p><p>Learning is key to adaptation in today’s world, and will become even more so in the future. To build the future we want, we need a long-term commitment to lifelong learning for all Nova Scotians. We all have a role to play. Adults who return to learning are witnesses to the changes that learning makes in individual lives.</p><p>Learners’ Quotes</p><p>Learning lets me give something back to my community. People see that it is never too late to return to school – age doesn’t matter. I have received many positive comments - being seen as a role model and in this new light has deepened my appreciation of life and all it has to offer. Stephanie Paul, Literacy Network Unama'ki</p><p>Learning is fun and important in my life. I am happy to take this opportunity to go back to school. It made my family proud of me and I feel proud of myself too. My family is the best gift of my life and we will do this together to enhance our life. I would like to continue learning to have a role in the society. We are in this world to make it better not to sit back and watch. Wafa Al-Mansob, Cunard Learning Centre</p><p>Going back to school gave me clear thinking, boosted my self-esteem and forced me to overcome the “fear”. Every day is a new day, a day for change, a day for me to say “I can do this”. I don’t know for sure where all this will take me but I do have a plan and there is a change in me and who I am. I can only move forward with this, so I am giving it my best shot. I hope my best is enough. You never know, maybe I can inspire someone else to challenge themselves and go back to school. Learning is a powerful thing. Sarah Reid, Colchester Adult Learning Association</p><p>Learning has made a big difference in my life, I’m telling you right now. I can read and spell, and I am not embarrassed anymore to read in front of others. Because of learning, I am now working at a full time job and studying to write my driver’s exam for the first time at age 50! I even got my first loan to buy a new car. Learning has given me faith. If I could help people, I would tell them to go back to school. It’s never too late to learn and it’s not something to be embarrassed about because you are not alone. You have to believe in yourself. I am proud of myself and what I have done since I started my learning. I know now that nobody can take that away. Linda Larade, Community Learning Association North of Smokey</p><p>Learning gives me a sense of hope in life. It provides me with a belief in myself. I am better at coping with difficulties in life. I cope better with others because I understand myself and the way others behave. Learning has given me a greater sense of self-esteem so I am less reactive to others’ behavior. I am more clear thinking. I have a greater sense of independence and I make better choices for myself and others. John Cromwell, Halifax Community Learning Network</p><p>Adult learning has changed my life. If it wasn’t for this program I would be in jail or still on the streets collecting bottles. I have learned how to spell and read better. Adult learning has taught me to use my mind and I need a mind of my own to know what the world as to offer. I take one day at a time, one thing at a time. I thought I didn’t need math but you do from fractions to measurement and to add and to subtract. The reason I think school is so important is because in today's society, you need a good education just to get a part time job. Colin Henderson, Cunard Learning Centre</p><p>When I was accepted at Cunard, my first goal was just to get my high school diploma. Now my future goal is to be a home care nurse. During my first year at Cunard, I learned a lot of things. The teachers made me a more confident person. They made me feel free. They prepared me to take many steps in life. Now I still study at Cunard full-time and work part-time. I have four children and a husband to take care of. I’m a busy woman, but I’m happy. Just remember that life is a hill, up and down. Sometimes on the hill, you’ll want to end your journey, but get up and try again. Rukhsora Sangova, Cunard Learning Centre </p><p>I’m still learning because I hate the gutless feeling of not knowing things. I’m not saying I want to be a philosopher; I’m saying that I never want to stop learning. And that’s not hard because not a single day goes by when I have to ask myself, “What is the definition to that word?” “How is that related to the subject I’m </p><p>Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities. learning?” “How do you spell that?” “What does that add up to?” or “Why is understanding that so important?” It helps when someone can answer these questions for me, but it benefits me more if I do the research and can explain it for myself. That’s when I can truly say that I’ve learned something new. Tiffany Tufts, Lunenburg County Adult Learning Network</p><p>Growing up was hard for young men in our community. Education was the last thing that was needed or valued. Growing up in a large family, food was scarce and work was plentiful. At a young age I was taken out of school and forced to join the family fishing vessel. I was told I would never need education. Today education comes first, not last. My teachers are my mentors. Not only do they guide me to succeed, they also care about me. When one door closes in your life, another will open. When you are ready to become the student, the teacher will appear. Doug Montrose, ALP student, NSCC Cumberland Campus I was a working mom and out of school for almost nine years. I did not feel smart enough to think that I could go back to school. I finally had too much of working dead-end jobs, and said enough is enough and went back to school. I learned the skills that I needed, like having better knowledge about the world around me, how to spell better and even how to study. Now I give everything 100% and I realize I can do this. I have the confidence I thought I never would. Also, I am so much more at ease that my kids will have a better future, all because I made the choice to better myself. Now I tell all my friends and young people that the value of a good education should never be underestimated. Amanda Maberry, Colchester Adult Learning Association</p><p>Going back to school as an adult has been the best decision I ever made for myself. It has shown that I am not alone and there is always help when I need it. Dreams can come true with lots of hard work and determination. It is important to always have faith and to never give up on your dreams. Helen Pike, Valley Community Learning Association</p><p>Every day I learn something new. I can do things that I never thought I would do. I read recipes for cooking now and I have started to read small novels in class. I understand the labels at the grocery store now and that helps me to be a better shopper. I can even text! I learned to use a computer when I first went back to school. This has helped me in so many ways. It makes me feel like I belong like everyone else. Linda Larade, Community Learning Association North of Smokey</p><p>I think that adults who never completed school at a young age should go back to school. Not only will it open the doors to great jobs in the field you pick but it will give you a chance to meet great people. Learn from them and meet others who never finished school as well. You are not alone in this quest. There are others who did not finish school for all kinds of reasons. Never sit back and say you did not have </p><p>Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities. a chance to finish. Send in your application and come join the journey to live a better life. Trevor attended classes at NSCC Marconi Campus</p><p>Without literacy classes, which help me learn and understand I would have no hope of achieving my goal. I am so happy to have the opportunity to go to school, something that I would never have been able to do if I had not come to Canada. I thank Canada for giving me the chance to learn and develop and become a stronger person and a strong mother. I have discovered how much I enjoy learning new things. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. I know that I will continue learning long after I have finished going to school. Samia Eldik, Halifax Community Learning Network</p><p>My positive attitude and motivation led me here for a reason. I truly believe that life is made up of steps, some of which prepare, teach and make you realize where you are supposed to be and why. The reason I am here is clear to me now and easy to see. For life and learning go hand in hand, and with the heart to do it and a positive attitude, something that seemed of no importance to me years ago, is my dedication now. Jennifer attended classes at NSCC Marconi Campus</p><p>Since I became a student in the Adult Learning Program at NSCC, I have become more confident because of encouragement received from both teachers and students. I am more determined to achieve the goals I have set for myself. Kyla, Adult Learning Program graduate </p><p>I hope to show all my children how important it is to stay in school and get a good education. No matter what obstacles are put in front of me, I know I can do this. I know this is going to be one of my greatest accomplishments. Michael attended classes at Kings County Adult High School</p><p>If I could give advice to someone, it would be to open your eyes to life. Life is about learning and that is one thing that will never end. I know that I have set a good example for my children and grandchildren. I see it every day in their faces and by the things they are now doing. My life is now a much happier place to be. I shall not be defeated and I will succeed. I now know that I can further my education and I shall be taking advantage of it. Yvonne wrote and passed the GED </p><p>How could I look into my children’s eyes and preach to them about the importance of education, or even tell them to go to school and get a career when I hadn’t? Any parent who wants the best for their children must be willing to set a good example for them. I knew this would be difficult for me to accomplish with no education. With this in mind, I decided it was time to go back to school, and it was by far the best decision I have made for myself. </p><p>Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities. Natasha Clarke-Jessome, NSCC, Marconi Campus</p><p>LNS produced a series of Literacy and Essential Skills factsheets that highlight the positive changes in the lives of adults who enroll in literacy and essential skills programs: http://www.ns.literacy.ca/es_factsheets.htm</p><p>Here are testimonials from adult learners who hope to encourage others.</p><p>“These programs taught me a lot and I came a long, long, way.” ~ Lillian </p><p>“Go back to school. It betters your life.” ~David</p><p>“I love learning.” ~Darlene</p><p>“Dad, I’m so proud of you. How was school today?” ~Daniel </p><p>“It was the best decision I’ve made in the past twenty years.” ~Karen</p><p>“I decided to go back to school and I love it!” ~Herbie </p><p>Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities.</p>