Rosa Romie-Graham Recipient of the $1500 Literacy Nova Scotia Bursary through the NSCC Foundation (eCampus)

On behalf of everyone at Literacy Nova Scotia, I would like to congratulate Rosa Romie-Graham. She was selected as the $1500 Literacy Nova Scotia Bursary recipient through the NSCC Foundation. Rosa completed the Adult Learning Program at the Truro Campus, NSCC and is now taking Business Administration with an accounting concentration through the NSCC ecampus.

We received 34 submissions to the Adult Learners’ Week ebooklet which will be published online during the first week of April. Our ALW event will be held at the Halifax Central Library on Friday, April 3rd from 2 – 3:30. We are looking forward to hearing inspiring stories from individuals whose lives were changed by upgrading their literacy and essential skills.

I attended a presentation by ESDC on the Essential Skills Framework renewal. It is interesting to see how the current nine essential skills will be redefined as Skills for Success. There will be inclusion of some soft skills which will build in resilience needed for all occupations.

Speaking of resilience, the PD Conference planning committee has decided this should be the theme of the 2020 conference in November. Watch for a call for presenters in the coming months.

The deadline for the survey of displaced workers has been extended until March 6th if you haven’t already submitted.

Plans are underway for our NSPGI Dinner & Auction event on March 31st at the Halifax Marriott. We are thankful to the sponsors and supporters we have received to date. Air Canada is supporting the NSPGI by offering two economy round-trip tickets to anywhere in North America. Only 300 raffle tickets are being sold – one for $20 or three for $50. Let us know if you’d like to purchase tickets. The draw is March 31st.

Brigid Hayes’ blog has been especially interesting over the last week with different perspectives on the history of literacy in Canada. First an article by Maren Elfert and Jude Walker followed by a rebuttal by Scott Murray with commentary provided by Brigid.

Adult Learners' Week: March 29 – April 4, 2020
Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) celebrates adult learners across the province and the importance of literacy and learning throughout life! You are invited to join the conversation online and share your learning success stories on social media. How did adult learning change your life?
Read more   #ALW20 Social Media Guide

The Learning Beacon: Here's an opportunity for adult learners to have their stories published in the 2020 issue of The Learning Beacon. Please encourage your learners to write stories about their hometowns for the Community Map feature. Creative writing by adult learners could be included in a Student Writing feature. Email your stories to marie.david@literacyns.ca by Friday, May 1st.

Register now for Practitioner Training modules scheduled for March and April 2020:
• Literacy, Adult Learners and YOU!: Mar 2 – 27
• Communications - Learners in Transition: Mar 2 – 27
• Integrating IT Skills into Your Teaching: Mar 30 – Apr 24
• What's Your Message? Relating to the Adult Learner: 1 day workshop
Date and location TBA
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, and how to register for modules. The schedule of modules for February – June 2020 is available. Questions? Contact Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203.
Funding from the Department of Labour and Advanced Education (LAE) ensures free tuition for participants from NSSAL who are LNS members.

Save the Date: PD Conference for Practitioners
Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6, 2020 at Holiday Inn Truro
This annual professional development conference, funded by LAE, is for practitioners within NSSAL’s community learning organizations.

NSSAL 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 NSSAL 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). Funds provided by LAE.

Computers for Schools: Does your learning organization need refurbished computers? We offer our LNS members laptops, computers, printers, monitors, keyboards, cables, etc. NSSAL funds the licenses for Windows and Microsoft Office that are included on the computer and laptop orders. Place your orders today.
 

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Tuesday, March 31, 5:00 – 8:30pm at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront, Halifax NS
You will hear powerful, personal accounts from adult learners whose lives have been changed for the better because of the work of Literacy Nova Scotia and its partners.
More info    NSPGI Sponsorship Brochure     Sponsorship Order Form     Ticket Order Form

Friday, April 3, 2020 from 2:00pm - 3:30pm at Paul O'Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax NS
You'll hear inspiring stories from adults who changed their lives by upgrading their literacy and essential skills. Refreshments provided. RSVP by March 27th to 902-897-2444 or info@literacyns.ca   Read more  
This event is funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and in partnership with Halifax Public Libraries.

March and April 2020
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)’s Charities Directorate is offering a series of webinars on signing up for and using their new online services. Sessions will be divided into two topics: Accessing My Business Account for charities; and Filing your annual information return online. For more information and to register, email Charities Directorate

March 9, 9:30am - 12:30pm at 73 Tacoma Drive, Dartmouth NS
This interactive intercultural competence workshop is to support community organizations and service providers to learn about the challenges of new immigrants in the community and explore practical ways to welcome and support them. Register

March 11, 10:00am - 12:00pm at Ste 202, 6169 Quinpool Rd, Halifax NS
If you are an Executive Director in the Halifax/Central Region, please consider joining the ED Network! Connect with peers, advocate for change, engage in learning & professional development, and more. Register

March 11, 11:00am - 2:00pm at People's Place Library, Antigonish NS
This engaging workshop will helps you recognize and use skills already in-house, and counter challenges you likely have, to increase immigrant retention. Register

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While there are numerous literacy organizations across Canada intent on improving adult literacy rates, getting program awareness out to suitable individuals can often be challenging. What is the best way to advertise your program offerings? 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. Recently uploaded resource:

• Promoting Your Programs and Services Online
• Yes I Can: A Mental Health Guide for Adult Literacy Facilitators

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

This guide provides access to resources on Indigenous history, communities, and culture in Canada and Nova Scotia, as well as important government documents. Resource.

Debbie Lawrence talks about providing effective leadership, interview strategies, and attracting and retaining great employees in this podcast series. Resource.

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ABC Life Literacy Canada - February 2020
As I Was Saying - February 2020
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia, Central Region - March 2020
Charity Village Vibes - February 2020
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - February 2020
NWT Literacy Council - February 2020
Tamarack Institute - February 2020
Volunteer Canada News - February 2020
World Education / U.S. - February 2020