The Manitoba government reinforced its commitment to lifelong learning by increasing funding for adult education programs by 2.5 per cent. This announcement was made by Multiculturalism and Literacy Minister Flor Marcelino.
“Adult learning and literacy programs are important stepping stones for adults who want to upgrade their skills and gain academic credentials,” said Minister Marcelino. “That’s why we’re focused on continuing to strengthen our network of adult education providers to better serve Manitobans.”
The Manitoba government is investing more than $20 million for adult learning and literacy programming in the province, which will support 33 agencies that provide adult literacy programming and 39 organizations that provide adult high school programming. Manitoba’s network of providers is expected to serve more than 10,000 adults across the province in 2015-16.
Adult education programs help adults obtain high school diplomas or credits, improve their employment options and skills and qualify for post-secondary enrolment, the minister noted. A total of 42 adult learning centres are registered throughout the province to provide tuition-free high school credit programming for Manitoba’s adult population.
“Funding increases have a direct bearing on the quality and quantity of services and programming provided by adult learning centres and adult literacy programs,” said Dr. Akaps Mweemba, president, Adult Secondary Education Council. “This new support from the Manitoba government means we can ensure more adult learners re-enter the workforce and advance their careers.”
In 2013-14, 1,425 adults obtained high school diplomas and 4,848 learners completed 12,255 high school credit courses through adult learning centres.
“There are many reasons adults may return to learning,” said Minister Marcelino. “Whether it’s to improve reading and math skills, get a high school diploma, prepare for college or university or get a great job, the Manitoba government is committed to ensuring lifelong learning opportunities are available to those who want them.”
Certified adult learning centres and adult literacy programs in Manitoba help adult learners improve their ability to understand and use printed information in daily living activities at work, home and in the community, the minister said. She added it also enables them to obtain high school credentials so they can access higher education or better employment opportunities.
