It has been one year since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Naively, I didn’t think we’d still be dealing with this a year later. Literacy Nova Scotia has carried on and we are fortunate that our organization has survived through the support of funders, board members, staff, and members! We’ve continued to offer programs and support the literacy field which is a huge accomplishment. It is gratifying to hear about some adult learning programs who are able to serve even more learners than usual through the online and blended approaches and some are serving the same number but reaching a different clientele. This is the result from a tremendous effort. I hope you all took time to put away work and rejuvenate over the long weekend.

I’ve been participating in the webinar series on burnout with the Community Sector Council of NS. I would highly recommend the subsequent offerings. Both myself and the LNS board chair, also an executive director of a learning network, have been benefiting from the training. You can learn more in Nicole Cammaert’s blog.

Adult Learners’ Week in Nova Scotia is April 5 – 9. We have been highlighting learner stories on social media and encourage you to do the same. Congratulations to Izee Haight (left), a former scallop fisherman in Digby, who is the winner of the ipad mini for his submission to the ebooklet.

Last month we announced our new project, Empowerment for Employment, a fisheries training program funded by the Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Government of Canada. This project has been extended to June 30, 2021. We welcome new participants from the Eastern Shore to the program (seen here with Andréa Lussing, project facilitator, right)

We are thrilled to receive funding from the Department of Labour and Advanced Education for two new projects: Empowerment for Employment (Non-Care Entry Level Workers) - $500,000 and Essential Skills for Nova Scotia Fisheries - $500,000. These projects offer a solution to a shortage of skilled labour, literacy and transferable employability skills, and full-time employment. Working in collaboration with others, we will work on closing the gap between those unemployed workers and businesses requiring skilled workers. A full list of approved projects is included in their press release.

Literacy Nova Scotia is hiring a Project Coordinator to plan, coordinate and deliver the Employment for Empowerment (Health Care) training program funded by the Labour and Advanced Education, Skills and Learning Branch. This project will address entry level workforce challenges in the health care sector (long-term care) through the implementation of a workplace essential skills training program.
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Contract Term: April 2021 – September 2022
Benefits:
• Onboarding and support
• Cell phone allowance
• Project travel reimbursement
Deadline to apply: April 9, 2021
Interested candidates should forward their resumé with cover letter, in confidence, to Jayne Hunter    Job Description

Literacy Nova Scotia invites adult learners to share their learning success stories and photos on social media during Adult Learners' Week, April 5 - 9, 2021. Your stories will inspire other adults to enrol in upgrading programs to improve their literacy and essential skills. Download the #ALW2021 Social Media Guide.
All ALW activities are funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support NSSAL learners.

The Learning Beacon: Here's an opportunity for adult learners to have their stories published in the 2021 issue. Please encourage your learners to write stories about their hometowns for the Community Map feature. If learners want to submit stories on other subjects, we could have a 'Student Writing' feature. Email the stories to Marie David.

Register now for Practitioner Training modules scheduled for April 2021:
• Techniques for Teaching Reading, Writing and Spelling: April 26 – May 21
• What's Your Message? Relating To The Adult Learner: April 26 – May 21
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, training schedule and how to register for modules.
Did you know that you can register for the Practicum Assignment anytime after completing the module Literacy, Adult Learners, and You? Interested? Contact Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203. These modules are funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system.
Registration Form for NSSAL Participants
Registration Form for Non-NSSAL Participants (Tuition Payers) 

Webinar Wednesdays: The following webinars have been postponed and will be offered in the Fall 2021 webinar series -
Reflections on Using Digital Tools to Engage, Connect, and Learn – A Panel Discussion, scheduled for March 31, and
GED: Keeping it Simple, scheduled for April 28.
Upcoming Webinar: Please submit your registration form for -
Supporting Adult Learners with Mental Health Issues, May 26. Webinar description
Registration remains open until Friday, May 7, 2021.
Funding for Webinar Wednesdays was provided by LAE.

NSSAL IT Fund: There are funds available for community-based learning organizations to purchase equipment and resources necessary for the delivery of NSSAL’s Adult Learning Program. Read more information on criteria and application process. The NSSAL IT Fund is funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system.

Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the NSSAL PD Fund. Online learning opportunities are eligible. A new learning narrative template has been added. The NSSAL PD Fund is funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system.

The NSSAL PD Fund Committee recently approved for six individuals to take SpellRead training, delivered online by Halifax Learning. Based on the feedback received, this appears to be a worthwhile training program. SpellRead Training Testimonials:

• This program provided instruction in how to use the SpellRead Phase A manual, materials and student handbook as well as practical hands-on instruction on utilizing the SpellRead method to support learners in improving their phonemic awareness.
• It is directly applicable to supporting pre-level 1/level 1 learners to build their phonemic awareness.
• For adults learning how to sound the letters will help them read words and guide them in their reading.
• SpellRead taught me a brand new approach to teaching reading and spelling. I feel confident delivering the program to learners.
• This was a very valuable PD. It was very helpful to see how SpellRead can be delivered in person or be modified to an online format. The instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraging during the process. I think it’s great that the trainers will be available for ongoing assessment and support as we implement the program.
• I feel more confident in my ability to teach my learners to read. I have a plan and guidelines to keep me on track. I know where I am going in my teaching of reading and writing.

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April 22 at 3:00pm AT
This award is presented each year to Canadian organizations offering a unique and innovative adult or adult-integrated family literacy program. Learn more about how to apply for the award, eligibility and how to prepare a strong application.   Register

April 28 at 2:00pm AT
How are newcomers to Canada leading the way in philanthropy? How can philanthropy create equity and unify people of different backgrounds? How does philanthropy help newcomers to engage in and strengthen their communities?   Register

May 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2021
This 4-part virtual workshop is designed to give participants hands-on experience and a step-by-step approach to designing and facilitating collaborative Community Innovation sessions. Register

May 26, 2021, 2:30 - 4:00pm AT
Participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the unique challenges and barriers it creates for learners. Methods for creating and delivering inclusive learning programs will be introduced, along with strategies for protecting and promoting the mental well-being of learners and literacy practitioners.    Register

June 1 at 2:00pm AT
Kick off Pride Month with this discussion about the future of queer leadership in charitable giving. How are queer leaders affecting positive policy changes and increasing the visibility of initiatives that support 2SLGBTQ+ communities? Register

June 23 at 2:00pm AT
How do colonial ways of giving continue to harm and exclude Indigenous peoples? What needs to shift to respectfully engage and build reciprocal relationships with Indigenous peoples when exploring the future of giving and sharing on Turtle Island? Register

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The province is investing $10 million to support 25 communities through the Back to Work Community Partnership initiative. “As we begin our next chapter and work toward economic recovery, we need to ensure our future includes everyone,” said Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. Read more

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LNS Resource Hub is the place for literacy practitioners who teach, tutor or mentor adult learners in Nova Scotia to share and co-develop teaching resources and discuss best practices. This resource is fully funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system. If you don't already have an account on the LNS Resource Hub, email Elaine Frampton to request an account registration code.

ABC offers free online courses to adult learners on adaptability and teamwork (work skills), banking basics, borrowing money and spending plans, reading, and stress management.   Resource

This video series by Mary Gordon offers encouragement to parents and teachers on increasing confidence, coping with stress and getting a good night's sleep, managing expectations and more.   Resource

MyPronouns.org is a practical resource dedicated to the empowering and inclusive use of personal pronouns and it will help you understand why and how to use the pronouns someone goes by.

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ABC Life Literacy Canada - March 2021
As I Was Saying - March 2021
CALP Connections - March 2021
Community Foundation of Nova Scotia - Winter 2021
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - March 2021
Tamarack Institute - March 2021
Volunteer Canada News - March 2021
World Education / U.S. - March 2021