Adult Learners — Key to a Successful Economy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, March 9, 2009 – International Adult Learners' Week wraps up on March 8 with activities in every province and territory in Canada, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and the diversity of adult learning opportunities across Canada.
“Research has shown that lifelong learning is critical for people to be able to take advantage of economic opportunities and have meaningful participation in society,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Education for British Columbia, the lead jurisdiction on a pan-Canadian literacy action plan developed by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC). “We need to celebrate and encourage lifelong learning, which helps adults improve their health and well-being, diversify their skills to adapt to a changing economy, and be able to create positive changes within their communities.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially launched International Adult Learners' Week in 2000 to promote a culture of lifelong learning as a way to help the citizens of the world achieve their full potential.
“As Canada's workforce shrinks, this week is about the importance of lifelong learning and keeping up your skills,” said New Brunswick education minister and CMEC chair, Kelly Lamrock. “By raising awareness, building partnerships, and leveraging access to resources and services, my colleagues and I are working together to provide Canadians of all ages the opportunities they need to develop their skills to improve their lives.”
Learn Canada 2020 is CMEC's priority declaration, and it highlights adult learning and skills development as one of the four pillars of lifelong learning. Learn Canada 2020 identifies the need for a more accessible, diversified, and integrated system that supports adult learning in Canada. CMEC will further emphasize the importance of adult learning and literacy at the upcoming Sixth UNESCO International Conference on Adult Education, which will take place in Brazil from May 19 to 22, 2009.
To learn more about adult literacy and learning opportunities, visit www.literacy.cmec.ca.
CMEC is an intergovernmental body composed of the ministers responsible for elementary-secondary and advanced education from the provinces and territories. Through CMEC, ministers share information and undertake projects in areas of mutual interest and concern.
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Information:
Tamara Davis
Coordinator, Communications
Cell: 416-804-6548
Tel.: 416-962-8100, ext. 241
E-mail: t.davis@cmec.ca
www.cmec.ca