SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Some $8.6 million over four years is going toward adult basic education programming in the NWT, most of it through Aurora College, Leona Aglukkaq, minister for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) announced Tuesday.
Leona Aglukkaq, federal minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced Tuesday $8.6 million toward adult basic education programs in the Northwest Territories. - Katherine Hudson/NNSL photo |
"There must be a second chance for those who sincerely want to go back to school and to build a better life for themselves and their families and have the opportunity to participate in the economic opportunities around themselves," said Aglukkaq during the opening of the Geoscience Forum.
"The federal government is determined to see the North and its communities benefit from the economic boom that is unfolding in the North."
The money is part of a $27-million federal investment over five years to expand adult basic education in the three territories for working-age Northerners who lack a Grade 12 education.
"We're very excited because we're going to be able to enhance our adult basic education in our communities, on our campuses, and be able to serve Northerners better than we have been in the past with this extra funding," said Jane Arychuk, interim president of Aurora College.
The wealth is being shared with two non-government organizations as well - the Tree of Peace and the Native Women's Association of the NWT, although specific amounts haven't been announced yet.
Byrne Richards, executive director of the Tree of Peace, said any additional funds the organization receives are much appreciated. The Tree of Peace can accommodate 12 students at a time.
"We haven't had an increase in our funding for a significant period of time. Any funds which we receive will be used to enhance the learning opportunities for the adult learners," he said.
The funding will allow for the hiring of part- and full-time adult literacy and basic education programming instructors in communities and the Aurora College campuses who will implement short, informal courses which integrate literacy and workplace skills, as well as enhancing programming to allow students to learn skills to better prepare them to access labour market opportunities.
There is $2.45 million slotted for the 2012-13 year, $2.41 million for 2013-14, $2.45 million for 2014-15 and $1.32 million for 2015-16.
