Literacy and Essential Skills Learning Changes Lives
Literacy and Essential Skills Learning Changes Lives
“What people know and what they do with what they know has a major impact on their life chances.
Those with low literacy skills are more than twice as likely to be unemployed. But the impact of skills goes
far beyond earnings and employment. In all countries, individuals with lower proficiency in literacy are more
likely than those with better literacy skills to report poor health, to believe that they have little impact on
political processes, and not to participate in associative or volunteer activities. In most countries, they are
also less likely to trust others.” Angel Gurría, Secretary-General, Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD)
Learning is key to adaptation in today’s world, and will become even more so in the future. To build
the future we want, we need a long-term commitment to lifelong learning for all Nova Scotians. We all have
a role to play. Adults who return to learning are witnesses to the changes that learning makes in individual
lives.
Learners’ Quotes
How could I look into my children’s eyes and preach to them about the importance of education, or
even tell them to go to school and get a career when I hadn’t? Any parent who wants the best for their
children must be willing to set a good example for them. I knew this would be difficult for me to accomplish
with no education. With this in mind, I decided it was time to go back to school, and it was by far the best
decision I have made for myself.
Natasha Clarke-Jessome, NSCC, Marconi Campus
I started back to school several years ago to help me better myself. I still find it hard but I’m
determined to stick with it. My stubbornness can sometimes be my greatest weakness, but at the moment,
it is my strength. It keeps me going. I’ve realized that going to school is kind of like boxing. In order to win in
the ring, you need to train, practice and stay in good physical shape. Education is very much the same. You
have to practice, practice and practice some more.
William Reddick, Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County
Learning keeps me focused and on top of my goals. I spent years bogged down by
addiction and domestic violence, but I have put this behind me and moved on. I want a higher, better
education to support my family. Learning equals security for me, and hopefully financial security in the end.
I am currently studying for my GED, and will continue to use learning in my everyday life and keep
surpassing even my own expectations. I want to show my children that with hard work and determination,
anything is possible.
Jillian Kinnear, South Shore Work Activity Program
Learning has made a big difference in my life, I’m telling you right now. I can read and spell, and I am
not embarrassed anymore to read in front of others. Because of learning, I am now working at a full time
job and studying to write my driver’s exam for the first time at age 50! I even got my first loan to buy a new
car. Learning has given me faith. If I could help people, I would tell them to go back to school. It’s never too
late to learn and it’s not something to be embarrassed about because you are not alone. You have to
believe in yourself. I am proud of myself and what I have done since I started my learning. I know now that
nobody can take that away.
Linda Larade, Community Learning Association North of Smokey
My confidence has been restored; my computer skills have been upgraded; my understanding of
interviewing skills and CV composition is greatly enhanced. In addition, I feel ready to re-enter the world of
work, prepared for the challenges of tackling the hidden job market and facing shifted paradigms and
attitudes towards aging.
Ariel Harper Nave, The OWL Program (Older Wiser Labourforce)
At age 48, I took the next step in my life. I'm back in school learning all over again. My children told me
how proud they are of me. I can help my daughter with her homework now because we are in the same
grade. We will both graduate this year. I go to work now and tell my friends about my great marks and I get
high fives in the hallways. I have inspired a young CCA at work to go back to college to get her LPN. I told
her if this old girl can do it, she can too. What a great feeling of accomplishment I carry with me now. I have
more confidence in myself. I took the next step in my life and as it turns out, it was not scary at all.
Nancy MacDougall, NSCC, Marconi Campus
When I was accepted at Cunard, my first goal was just to get my high school diploma. Now my future
goal is to be a home care nurse. During my first year at Cunard, I learned a lot of things. The teachers
made me a more confident person. They made me feel free. They prepared me to take many steps in life.
Now I still study at Cunard full-time and work part-time. I have four children and a husband to take care of.
I’m a busy woman, but I’m happy. Just remember that life is a hill, up and down. Sometimes on the hill,
you’ll want to end your journey, but get up and try again.
Rukhsora Sangova, Cunard Learning Centre
When I was in high school, most subjects were difficult for me to understand, including math,
which frustrated me greatly. This was due to my seeming inability to grasp the subject matter. My
frustration affected me so much so that I never had the motivation to pursue the pre-requisites required to
attend university.
Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities.
Twelve years later, I decided to give math another shot, and to my amazement, it was possible for
me to learn it and understand it fully. After only a few weeks of my new attempt, the tutoring I am
receiving has helped me excel at it! When I am competent enough in my skills, I will become a math tutor
for someone who needs it. Learning has not only improved my life; it has changed my life. It has given me
courage and motivation to finally overcome the mountain that is education today.
Ryan Maisonneuve, Halifax Community Learning Network
When I was young, the aspiration to excel in my schooling was never there. Now as a part of the
Adult Learning Program, I find myself inspired to reach my full potential. This program has helped me
formulate positive attitudes toward schooling for my children, as well as assisted in my own personal goals.
With encouragement from my teachers, for the first time in my life, I truly believe that with a little hard work
and dedication I can soar to heights I did not think I could attain.
My whole life I have lived with people telling me I would never amount to anything. Today I stand as
a strong, educated, and empowered female, no longer bound by the limitations of no education.
Naomi Walker, GED graduate, Lakeside Community Center for Adult Learning
I’ve realized that I can excel at anything I attempt, so long as I put forth the effort. As long as I do my
best, keep pushing myself and keep focused, I can attain my dream of becoming a writer. I know I can do
this. I have proven to myself that I am smarter than I give myself credit for, whereas prior to returning to
school, I was continuously doubting my abilities and in general being my own worst critic.
Thanks to Chignecto Central Adult High School, I now have the confidence to strive
towards my goals. They are attainable!
Simone Beaudoin, ALP graduate, Chignecto Central Adult High School
There were many times that I would get frustrated, and question myself and my abilities, but I soon
started to have those ‘ah-ha’ moments and I knew everything was starting to come together. The more
knowledge I gained, the more I wanted. I was just so grateful to have this opportunity to continue my
learning that I just couldn’t get enough. For the first time in a very long time, I was incredibly proud of
myself, and I was amazed by the high marks I was achieving. School renewed my faith in myself and gave
my self-confidence a much needed boost. It taught me lessons in perseverance and determination.
Karen Smith, ALP graduate, NSCC Pictou Campus
Growing up was hard for young men in our community. Education was the last thing that was needed
or valued. Growing up in a large family, food was scarce and work was plentiful. At a young age I was
taken out of school and forced to join the family fishing vessel. I was told I would never need education.
Today education comes first, not last. My teachers are my mentors. Not only do they guide me to succeed,
they also care about me. When one door closes in your life, another will open. When you are ready to
become the student, the teacher will appear.
Doug Montrose, ALP student, NSCC Cumberland Campus
I was a working mom and out of school for almost nine years. I did not feel smart enough to think that I
could go back to school. I finally had too much of working dead-end jobs, and said enough is enough and
Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities.
went back to school. I learned the skills that I needed, like having better knowledge about the world around
me, how to spell better and even how to study. Now I give everything 100% and I realize I can do this. I
have the confidence I thought I never would. Also, I am so much more at ease that my kids will have a
better future, all because I made the choice to better myself. Now I tell all my friends and young people that
the value of a good education should never be underestimated.
Amanda Maberry, Colchester Adult Learning Association
Completion of one’s education opens many doors of opportunities, such as being able to go to
college, or taking a course of your choice, or just having the knowledge so you can help your children
through school. Always be proud of yourself for accomplishing your goal; never give up on your dreams.
Barb Langille, Colchester Adult Learning Association
Going back to school as an adult has been the best decision I ever made for myself. It has shown
that I am not alone and there is always help when I need it. Dreams can come true with lots of hard work
and determination. It is important to always have faith and to never give up on your dreams.
Helen Pike, Valley Community Learning Association
After five years of adult learning, I see a brighter future. I no longer need social assistance because I
work full time. I am working on getting my driver’s license. I eat healthy and walk 10km almost every day. It
feels good! I know there are a lot of people out there like me who are living a hard life. All I want to say is
“Go back to school. You are never too old! Look at me!”
Linda Larade, Community Learning Association North of Smokey
I think that adults who never completed school at a young age should go back to school. Not only
will it open the doors to great jobs in the field you pick but it will give you a chance to meet great people.
Learn from them and meet others who never finished school as well. You are not alone in this quest. There
are others who did not finish school for all kinds of reasons. Never sit back and say you did not have a
chance to finish. Send in your application and come join the journey to live a better life.
Trevor attended classes at NSCC Marconi Campus
I have learned things that I didn’t anticipate: self-esteem and confidence. I have always believed in
myself. I am a very strong, determined woman who believes that anything and everything is possible. I
thought that going back into a classroom might test my confidence, but it increased my self-image. How is
that possible? Believing in myself, having an instructor who believes in me, and having classmates that
offer support has helped me grow. I know that I am a role model to family and friends. The more I learn, the
stronger I become.
Diane attended classes at the Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County
My positive attitude and motivation led me here for a reason. I truly believe that life is made up of
steps, some of which prepare, teach and make you realize where you are supposed to be and why. The
reason I am here is clear to me now and easy to see. For life and learning go hand in hand, and with the
heart to do it and a positive attitude, something that seemed of no importance to me years ago, is my
dedication now.
Jennifer attended classes at NSCC Marconi Campus
Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities.
It is the greatest feeling to be able to read, write and spell. It’s nice now that I don’t have to ask my
children how to spell something that would be so easy for them, but very hard for me. I look forward to
being able to sit and read to my grandchildren.
Denise attended classes at Bedford Sackville Learning Network
Since I became a student in the Adult Learning Program at NSCC, I have become more confident
because of encouragement received from both teachers and students. I am more determined to
achieve the goals I have set for myself.
Kyla, Adult Learning Program graduate
I hope to show all my children how important it is to stay in school and get a good education. No
matter what obstacles are put in front of me, I know I can do this. I know this is going to be one of my
greatest accomplishments.
Michael attended classes at Kings County Adult High School
If I could give advice to someone, it would be to open your eyes to life. Life is about learning and that
is one thing that will never end. I know that I have set a good example for my children and grandchildren. I
see it every day in their faces and by the things they are now doing. My life is now a much happier place to
be. I shall not be defeated and I will succeed. I now know that I can further my education and I shall be
taking advantage of it.
Yvonne wrote and passed the GED
Our Mission: to ensure that all Nova Scotians have equal access to quality literacy, essential skills and lifelong learning opportunities.