Cornwall ON – Ontario is helping adult learners in Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry upgrade their literacy skills.
Through support from Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills Program, three organizations in the region are preparing learners for jobs through a number of initiatives, such as academic upgrading, computer training and high school credit preparation.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Adult Education Program is receiving $39,875; the Tri-County (Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry) Literacy Council, $57,630; and the Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators, $20,000 to help learners get closer to their education, training or employment goals.
Ontario funds about 300 sites across the province, including at colleges, school boards and community-based organizations.
The McGuinty government’s Open Ontario Plan is helping to build the most highly skilled and educated workforce in the world, giving Ontario the competitive edge in securing a strong economy for the future.
“We want to ensure we provide as many tools as possible, so that our citizens can succeed in their professions and their lives. This funding will help people upgrade their literacy skills that can lead them to more opportunities.”
– Jim Brownell, MPP for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry
“Giving people a solid foundation in literacy helps them learn new skills, strengthening their ability to contribute to the economy and their families.”
– John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is investing $122.9 million in the program this year – up from $80 million two years ago.
- From 2003-2004 to 2010-2011, the McGuinty government has invested $650 million in adult literacy and basic skills programs.
- The government’s Open Ontario Plan will raise the number of Ontarians with a postsecondary education credential to 70 percent.
LEARN MORE
I have had the privilege of working for Tri County Literacy Council as a facilitator and educator at their main after school homework program. Dina, Don, and everyone else on staff does an amazing job. TCLC were the first recipient of Rock for Charity – and I stand by that to this day. There has been a great need in our community to improve literacy rates amongst adults, as well as help immigrants learn English. I like that some of their programs and training are very job focused (e.g. helping people develop the jobs skills and literacy necessary to succeed at telemarketing and tele-service jobs, which is a growing industry in Cornwall). Kudos to the province for supporting a worthy cause, and helping good organizations like those in the Cornwall area. I believe higher literacy in our work force will make us stronger and more competitive, and that will help attract more jobs to our area.
Do we need 3 groups? Why not 2 with less adminstration cost?