Our current projects are going well.

The Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration (LSI), Adult Education Division will extend Literacy Nova Scotia’s contract for another year to provide supports to the NSSAL system.

We’ll conclude our current year activities with the Adult Learners’ Week celebration and monthly offerings of Practitioner Training modules. We’re looking forward to holding the Professional Development Conference for Practitioners in partnership with LSI! The conference is tentatively booked at the Inn on Prince (formerly Holiday Inn) in Truro for November 3rd & 4th.

We are busy with the Back to Work projects funded by LSI. Training has begun in three locations: Bridgewater, Bridgetown and Dartmouth for the Health Care program and the classroom portion has completed for the Fisheries in Yarmouth.

We are working on a proposal to continue these projects in other regions and possibly other sectors. If you are interested in being involved, please contact me immediately as the deadline for submission is March 9th.

Which learners (or potential learners) have been difficult, or even impossible to reach via adult literacy programming? How can we overcome those barriers and make our learning communities more inclusive and accessible? Survey.

Over 30 participants have started on their journey to become crucial Long-Term Care support staff as Long-Term Care Assistants. Classes began February 28th in three locations in Nova Scotia: in Dartmouth, with work placements throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality; in Bridgewater with work placements in Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Shelburne, Lockeport and New Germany; and in Bridgetown with work placements in Bridgetown, Greenwich, Annapolis Royal, Berwick and Kentville. Our three highly qualified Facilitators Eli Mason (Bridgewater), Judy Green (Bridgetown) and Brent MacPhee (Dartmouth), have been eager to get started and cannot wait to work with our diverse group of participants. Spots are still available to interested candidates at our Bridgewater location. Please contact Project Coordinator Kate Cober for information about joining us in that area.

"Having been raised in the fishing industry of Sou’West Nova, I was honoured when selected by Literacy Nova Scotia to instruct Workplace Essential Skills for Nova Scotia Fisheries here in my hometown of Yarmouth.
My passion for passing skills for success on to community members not only helps them to gain and retain meaningful employment, it also helps strengthen our economy.
During our site-tour to Inshore Fisheries in Pubnico, I could see every ounce of progress my students had made in their 6 weeks of in-class instruction. Their eyes showed hope, their faces beamed with pride, and they knew they were ready for the workplace. All staff and management of Inshore Fisheries greeted the class with acceptance and encouragement. The participants were in awe over the strong sense of family, the positive workplace culture, and the strong employee work ethics they witnessed. Each participant is anxious for their upcoming work placements to start, and I am proud to be on this journey with them."
~ Kelly Mitchell - Facilitator, Essential Skills for Nova Scotia Fisheries (ESFNSF) Project

ESFNSF participant Michael Moses observes the unloading of an Inshore Fisheries owned ground fish vessel. The participants were each asked by the boat crew to go onboard and get the full fishery experience.	ESFNSF participants Chris Greenwood and Michael Moses, accompanied by Nicole of Inshore Fisheries are given a tour of the processing and packing areas within the plant. Normally there are an estimated 40 staff members working together per shift.

Adult Learners' Week 2022 will be held in Nova Scotia from April 3 - 9. Enter your story about how improving your literacy skills has made a difference in your life. Your stories inspire others to continue learning. All eligible submissions will be entered in a draw for a chance to win an iPad Mini. All stories with the theme Learning Changes Lives will be published in the Adult Learners’ Week ebooklet. View the ALW2021 ebooklet. All ALW activities are funded by Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support NSSAL learners.

The Learning Beacon is Literacy Nova Scotia's online ezine for adult learners. We would like to receive stories for the Community Map feature in the 2022 issue. Please encourage your learners to write stories about their hometowns and email them to Marie David by Friday, May 6, 2022.

Register now for Practitioner Training modules scheduled for April 2022:
March 28 - April 22, 2022 (Assignment due April 13)
• Literacy, Adult Learners and YOU!
• What's Your Message? Relating to the Adult Learner
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, and how to register for modules. Questions? Contact Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203. These modules are funded by the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support the NSSAL system.
Registration Form for NSSAL Participants
Registration Form for Non-NSSAL Participants (Tuition Payers) 

D2L Brightspace Learning Management System Courses
In Fall 2021, AED launched two PD opportunities for NSSAL practitioners, including tutors, using the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System. Two courses are still available: Teaching and Learning Online 101 and Instructional Design Strategies 101. These are online-only, asynchronous, module-based courses where practitioners work at their own pace. Those interested can begin their course work anytime during the during the academic year. Courses close July 12, 2022. Both courses are of particular use for new instructors, those who want to enhance their design, development, and delivery skills to ensure learning is accessible and engaging to all learners, those looking to adapt their teaching strategies to meet the demands of teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic, and those wishing to participate in NSSAL’s next round of funding to support the scale up of E3 (EOIs). About the courses:

Teaching & Learning Online 101 (TLO 101) - Course objectives/Learning outcomes:
• Discover techniques that promote a robust community of online learners
• Develop strategies for online teaching and learning, including course planning, development, implementation, and both digital resource creation/curation
• Explore tools, resources, and best practices for engaging learners in the digital landscape

Instructional Design Strategies 101 (ID 101) - Course objectives/Learning outcomes:
• Discover a set of systems for planning and personalizing Adult Learning instruction
• Explore assessment strategies for both learners and for professional development
• Implement scaffolded learning with measurable learning objectives using Bloom’s taxonomy
• Examine and apply principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to design learner-centred activities that target strengths and address barriers

If you were with your organization when the courses launched in October 2021, you are already registered. If you forget your login information or were hired after the launch, please email NSSAL@novascotia.ca with the subject line Brightspace Registration. If you need more information, contact your Executive Director.

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, Skills, and Immigration 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. The NSSAL PD Fund is funded by Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support the NSSAL system.
Individual applications are no longer accepted. NSSAL now provides funding directly to the CLOs for individual PD. Exceptions will be made to allow for individual expenses to be covered through the PD Fund to ensure equity for travel. We are able to offer travel support to individuals who need to travel over 300 kms round trip and/or stay in a hotel more than 1 night within the province for Professional Development purposes. The support will be for kms and hotel stays only. Further information on applying

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Friday April 8, 2022 from 2:00 - 3:00pm at Halifax Central Library, Paul O'Regan Hall, 5440 Spring Garden Road, Halifax NS
Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) celebrates adult learners across the province and the importance of literacy and learning throughout life! You'll hear inspiring stories from adults who changed their lives by upgrading their literacy and essential skills.
RSVP by March 29th to 902-897-2444 or info@literacyns.ca   Poster
Literacy Nova Scotia’s Adult Learners’ Week event is funded by the Government of Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration and in partnership with Halifax Public Libraries.

LNS Resource Hub was designed for literacy practitioners and adult learning educators who teach, tutor or mentor adult learners in Nova Scotia. It provides a place for sharing and co-developing resources online, and provides forums for discussing best practices in teaching. Since 2017, almost 300 resources have been posted and shared on the LNS Resource Hub. This resource is fully funded by Labour, Skills, and Immigration to support the NSSAL system. Recently uploaded resources:

• Helping learners develop a Digital Literacy Action Plan
• E3 Curriculum Framework Training - February 2022
• List of African Nova Scotian Resources

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

This is the final report from the Task Force on Long-Term Unemployment & Workforce Transition, which is committed to helping Albertans re-enter the workforce or pivot their career, and to helping businesses find and develop workers with the skills they need. Report   Summary

Hants Learning Network Association, 90 Sanford Drive, Windsor NS
HLNA is offering free family literacy programs in March. Call 902-792-6754 or email info@hantslearning.com to save a spot for your family!

Four free workshops on using basic digital tools and networks were developed by the Restigouche CBDC, and are available in both official languages. They will be offered to the next +/- 125 participants (first come, first served) who can complete them by March 31, 2022. To register, email Karenne Levesque Savoie   Website   More info

The Audrey Wearn Language Prize was created to encourage youth aged 16+ to solve a language-based problem in their community, devising a solution that is measurable, transferable and scalable. The winner receives $10,000 to further develop their solution. Call for Proposals   Submission deadline: March 13, 2022.

Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 8:00pm AT
For this fundraiser, participants will enter a round-robin Scrabble tournament. The high scorers can team up with celebrity players during the live event. Guests can play trivia, watch entertainment and win prizes. For more information, email Jennifer Chow. Read more

• Intro to Online Computer Course: Begins after March Break with sessions in Barrington and Shelburne. Evening sessions are 120 minutes each, once a week for 10 weeks, including virtual support during selected days for advanced practice on program topics. More information
  
  
• Northstar Digital Literacy platform: Learners looking to manage a continuing education plan to improve employability/online skills can explore the Northstar website before registering with us to ensure access to all it has to offer.
  More information
  
  

• March is Fraud Prevention Month. Check out some of ABC’s resources to help your community stay safe:
  › Host a Money Safety workshop from our Money Matters program
  › Check out our activity on Money Safety on the Phone
  › Host a workshop from Youth Teaching Adults on “Spam Email” and Fake news and Snopes
  › OR create your free account on the ABC Skills Hub to access these courses
  
  
• 2022 Literacy Field Survey: ABC Life Literacy Canada invites literacy practitioners provide feedback on their work and how ABC could help support it. Submit the survey by March 7th and you'll be entered in a draw for a chance to win one of five $100 gift certificates to a local bookstore in your community.
  
  
• Tech Talk Tuesday #1 - Mac Accessibility: Sign up to view the recording on Mac Accessibility settings and learn how they can be useful to learners with diverse abilities.
  
  
• Tech Talk Tuesday #3 - Natural Reader: March 8, 2022 at 2:00 - 2:40pm AT
  Learn how Natural Reader is useful for learners with diverse abilities. Register
  
  
• Who Are We Missing?: April 7, 2022 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
  Learn about how learners have been difficult, or even impossible, to reach via adult literacy programming and how we can overcome barriers and make learning communities more inclusive and accessible. Register
  
  

• Creating a Digital Marketing Funnel in 2022: Google Ad Grants and Beyond: Mar 10, 2022 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
  Learn about the best tools to use to move your nonprofit users through your digital marketing funnel, from awareness, to engagement, to action. Register
  
  
• Essentialism: Ruthless Prioritization for Ultimate Productivity: Mar 17, 2022 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
  What are the best innovative problem-solving methods to assist in deciding what tasks are worth focusing on? Learn how to prioritize workload with goal-setting exercises. Register
  
  

• Thinking Like a System and Leading with Humility: March 2, 2022 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
  What kind of leader do we need to help to weave back the broken seams that are happening in our cities and towns because of COVID and other challenges? Register
  
  
• Living Labs - A Place-based Innovation Approach: March 3, 2022 at 2:00 - 5:30pm AT
  Learn more about Living Labs, powerful innovation devices to achieve transformation in the way we collaborate and innovate. Register
  
  
• Field Catalysts | A Missing Contribution for High-Impact Community Change?: March 9, 2022 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
  Explore the four integrated roles of the Field Catalyst and how they are used to accelerate the impact of individual systems change efforts. Register
  
  
• A Conversation about Leadership and Community Impact: March 23, 2022 at 2:00 - 3:00pm AT
  Hear a lively conversation about leadership journeys, community impact and the future of the Tamarack Institute. Register
  
  
• Participatory Evaluation - Community-Based Assessment and Strategic Learning Practices: March 24, 2022
  This webinar will provide the knowledge and tools needed to support decision-making processes and evaluation practices in community change work. Register
  
  
• Building a Community-Based COVID Renewal Plan: March 29 - 30, 2022
  Learn 10 really good ideas that will support your community as you build a COVID renewal plan to reignite people and engage them to work together. Register
  
  
• Convening, Coordinating and Collaborating for Socio-ecological Transitions: The Story of Collectivités ZéN: April 6, 2022 at 1:00 - 2:00pm AT
  Learn about strategies developed by Collectivités ZéN that enable bold collaboration for climate action, developing a shared vision and exploring the role of communities as catalysts for socio-ecological transitions. Register
  
  
• Collective Impact 3.0 - Designing a Movement for Change: April 6, 2022
  Participants will learn about the key elements that enable the Collective Impact Framework to fulfill its potential as a catalyst for large-scale change. Register
  
  
• Introduction to Using Theatre for Social Change: April 13, 2022 at 2:00- 5:00pm AT
  Learn why theatre is the perfect vehicle for bringing a diverse group of stakeholders together to determine where you should be focussing your time, energy and resources. Register
  
  
• Community Engagement 2022 - Engaging Well in a Hybrid World: April 21 and May 17, 2022
  Participants will explore the role of creativity, how to support community-led approaches, challenge mindsets and adapt their strategies to a hybrid world. Register
  
  
• Community Change Festival - Transforming Communities for What's Next: May 5, May 12 and May 19, 2022
  Learn about what is currently influencing community work and transforming systems and collaborations, and walk away with concrete tools and examples for scaling our Collective Impact. Register
  
  
• Collaborative Governance and Leadership Workshop: June 14 and July 19, 2022
  This workshop will dive into both the governance and collaborative leadership components required to support the collaborative process. Register
  
  

August 22-24, 2022 at Holland College in Charlottetown, PE
Held since 2004, the Atlantic Summer Institute (ASI) on Healthy and Safe Communities is more than just a conference. It’s a learning Institute, with a “Pathway for Learning” curriculum that offers a Certificate of Participation. Read more

Health Nova Scotia is urging Nova Scotians to complete the Report and Support Online Screening Tool as soon as they book a PCR test or have received a positive rapid test result. This is particularly important for people in their 60s and older as they are considered to be at a higher risk for serious illness. All of the details can be found in their media release.

ABC Life Literacy Canada - February 2022
As I Was Saying - February 2022
CALP Connections - February 2022
Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia - February 2022
Literacy Council of New Brunswick - January & February 2022
NWT Literacy Council - Literacy Matters: Mabel's Story - Winter 2022
Tamarack Institute - February 2022
Volunteer Canada News - February 2022
World Education / U.S. - March 2022