Spring is just around the corner! As the fiscal year 2018-19 comes to a close, we are excited start the new fiscal with the Adult Learners' Week and NSPGI fundraiser events in April. Reminder that our online 50/50 fundraiser is up and running! We encourage all to promote this opportunity, if all tickets sell, the winner will receive $25,000 and the rest will be granted out to the community learning organizations across the province as PGI grants. The winning ticket will be drawn on April 30th. As well, Mariner Auctions and Liquidations will be hosting an online auction as part of the PGI fundraising events.

We received 20 submissions for the iPad Mini Draw as part of our Adult Learners' Week Celebrations. The winner will be announced at the ALW event on April 1st at the Halifax Central Library.

Do you have a learner who deserves recognition for their achievement? There are two financial awards available. The Maritime Travel Learner Achievement Award ($500) is for learners who are currently in your program and are continuing. The Nova Learning Achievement Award ($1000) is for learners who are completing your program and moving on to post-secondary. Deadline to receive applications: March 29, 2019 at 4:30pm.

We are looking for new board members. Seven of our current board members could retire from the board at the AGM in June. We are hoping to receive nominations to the board to ensure healthy succession and continued vitality. We have been fortunate to have engaged dedicated members at our helm. If you are interested in joining the team, please contact the office or the Nominating Chair, Nancy Thompson.

The deadline for receiving nominations is May 24th, 2019 at 4:30pm.
More details about the nomination process. Elections will be held on May 31st if needed to fill any vacancies. The new terms will begin following the next AGM on June 14, 2019.

Literacy Nova Scotia's 50/50 Draw: Tickets are $10.00 each with only 5000 tickets available at Literacy Nova Scotia 50/50. The winning ticket will be drawn at the NSPGI for Literacy Gala Dinner and Auction at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel on April 30, 2019 at 7:00pm with a live Facebook broadcast.

Monies raised will support community-based learning organizations and allow adult learners in your community access to the services and support they need to achieve their goals. LNS would like to thank you for your support and encourage you to purchase tickets and tell people about this fundraising opportunity. Share links through your social media and email and help us make this a success. Like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates. LNS website

Literacy Nova Scotia will once again participate in the Scotiabank Blue Nose Charity Challenge. Join our 2019 fundraising team and help support adult learners in Nova Scotia! With so many races to choose from, there's one for everyone!
How to join the LNS Team:

• Register for the 5KM, 10KM, 15KM Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Marathon Team Relay, or Youth Run at this year’s Blue Nose Marathon as part of the Literacy Nova Scotia Team. Make sure you register under LNS Team.
• Donate to one of our fundraisers or to LNS Team.

A special thank you to Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon for the free registrations we won! We have some available for fundraisers. Email Gina MacCallum or call 902-897-2444 for more details or help registering. Read more

Adult Learner Presenters Needed for 2019 Adult Learners' Week: We need adult learners, past or present, to speak at the Adult Learners' Week Celebration on April 1st at the Halifax Central Library. Let us know if you have a learner to recommend.

Applications for 2019 NSPGI Adult Learner Achievement Awards are Available.
These awards will be presented at the NSPGI for Literacy Gala Dinner and Auction to be held on Tuesday, April 30 in Halifax.
Maritime Travel Learner Achievement Award ($500)
Teacher's recommendation
Nova Learning Achievement Award ($1000)
Teacher's recommendation
Application deadline for both awards is Friday, March 29 - 4:30pm.

The Learning Beacon: Here's an opportunity for adult learners to have their stories published in the 2019 issue of The Learning Beacon. Please encourage your learners to write stories about their hometowns for the Community Map feature. Email them to Marie David by Friday April 26th.

Register now for Practitioner Training Modules offered in April, May and June:
• Integrating IT Skills into Your Teaching: April 1 - 26
• Teaching Math - Basic Principles: April 1 - 26
• What's Your Message? Relating to the Adult Learner - 1 day workshop:
  April 6, 10:00am - 3:00pm, Findlay Community Centre, 26 Elliot Street, Dartmouth
• Techniques for Teaching Reading, Writing and Spelling : May 6 - 31
• Teaching Math: Keeping It Real : June 3 - 28
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, and tuition schedule. Email Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203.

IT Fund: Community based learning organizations can apply for up to $1,000 per year. Funds are to be used for equipment and resources necessary for the delivery of NSSAL’s Adult Learning Program. This can include computers, printers, software, laptops, ipad minis, and assistive technology software. Technical support will be considered and cell phone expenses may be considered. Read more information on criteria and application process. Funds provided by LAE.

Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the PD Fund. New PD Fund online application forms are now available. There are separate forms for individuals (maximum $1000/year) and groups (maximum $4000/year).

Computers for Schools: Does your learning organization need refurbished computers? We offer our LNS members laptops, computers, printers, monitors, keyboards, cables, etc. Place your orders today.

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Adult Learners’ Week highlights the success stories of adult learners, and celebrates the joy of learning throughout life. You are invited to join the Adult Learners’ Week conversation online! During Adult Learners' Week, April 1 - 6, share your adult learning success stories and photos on social media. Please refer to our #ALW19 Social Media Guide and use hashtags so we can find your stories and photos.

Monday April 1, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00pm at Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library
You will hear inspiring stories from adults who changed their lives by upgrading their literacy and essential skills. Please join us in celebrating the power of adult learning!
RSVP by March 29th to 902-897-2444 or literacyns@nscc.ca

Join us for a fabulous evening of fun, entertainment and food, and hear the inspiring stories of adults who changed their lives by returning to learning! Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Order tickets online   For more information, email Marie David or call 902-897-2444.

October 24 - 25, 2019 at Holiday Inn Truro, 437 Prince St, Truro NS

Each week in March, you can borrow an Atlantic Canadian eBook for free at Nova Scotia Public Libraries. No holds, no waitlist. Visit NSPL Overdrive

March 14, 9:30 – 4:00pm at Capt. William Spry Centre, 16 Sussex St, Halifax NS
Participants in this workshop will look at common challenges in grant finding and writing, develop solutions to address them, and receive feedback on their grant proposals. A variety of grants available at different levels will also be reviewed. Register

March 19, 1:00 – 3:00pm at Sheraton Four Points Hotel, 1496 Hollis St, Halifax NS
Meet face-to-face with recruiters, HR managers, hiring companies, associations, and employment agencies. Free admission for job seekers. Register

April 16, 9:30am – noon at Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2158 Gottingen St, Halifax NS
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise™ engages people's minds and hearts in understanding why the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is often broken and how we can take action together. Register

May 1 at Saint Mary's Boat Club, 1641 Fairfield Rd, Halifax NS
This is a one-day workshop for organizations and communities seeking new, high-impact ways to work together to create social change. Presented by the Tamarack Institute. For more information, contact duncan@tamarackcommunity.ca     Register

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The EDGE pilot program is a job search and readiness program designed for young adults aged 18 to 26 who receive Employment Supports and Income Assistance. The program is the first of its kind in Nova Scotia. “This program is part of our commitment to helping young people find a path into the job market,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. Read more
Jobs Program Pilot Aims to Help Young Adults

PGI Grants help learners at Pictou County Continuous Learning Association (PiCCoLA) to reduce the stress of going back to school. With funding raised by NSPGI, PiCCoLA instructors created programs to help adult learners adapt to healthier ways of learning. PGI Grants allow PiCCoLA learners to focus on improving and maintaining of their health both physically and mentally. Read more

New technology, artificial intelligence, and global competitiveness are changing the way Canadians work. Many of the skills needed for good quality jobs will change in the years to come. A Canadian workforce that incorporates new technology and adapts is key to Canada's long-term economic growth. Read more     Future Skills website

Canadians living in rural and remote official language minority communities (OLMCs) often lack access to the education and training infrastructure needed to help them improve their literacy and essential skills for job-market success. The Federal Government has announced a $2 million project to help Canadians develop their job-ready life-enhancing skills. Read more

Grass Roots Press produces high-quality resources for adult basic education and English as a Second Language communities. They are planning a Latin American Biography Series, and would like suggestions for names of people to include in the series. Email suggestions to info@grassrootsbooks.net by March 15.

Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia (CSC-NS) is seeking an experienced manager to join their province-wide organization. The Manager of Learning Programs is responsible for the implementation and management of their custom and provincial learning division. Application deadline: March 18, 2019. Read more

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. Recently uploaded resources:

• Math Anxiety & Math Learning Disabilities: Strategies & Resources for Success
• Numeracy Games with Dice and Cards
• Sudoku Puzzles

If you don't already have an account on the LNS Resource Hub, email Elaine Frampton to request an account registration code.

New technologies, globalisation and population ageing are changing the quantity and quality of jobs as well as the skills they require. Providing better skilling and re-skilling opportunities to workers is essential to make sure the future works for all. Report

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ABC Life Literacy Canada News - February 2019
As I Was Saying - February 2019
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Central Region - March 2019
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - March 2019
NWT Literacy Council - February 2019
Tamarack Institute - February 2019
Tech Tips - February 2019
Transforming Lives - February 2019
Volunteer Canada News - February 2019
World Education / U.S. - March 2019