A group dedicated to promoting literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador is asking the provincial government why it has not released its plan for advancing adult literacy.
“This is a major issue for our province,” said Caroline Vaughan, executive director of Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador, in a news release issued today. “At three years out from initial consultations, this plan — once released — is already outdated.”
According to Literacy NL, the province announced its intentions to develop a Strategic Adult Literacy Plan almost five years ago. Four years later, former Minister of Education Joan Burke, now Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, referenced a planned spring 2011 release of the plan while addressing the House of Assembly.
Literacy NL said is was told by the province last September the plan would be released in the 2011 calendar year.
The news release said community-based programs active up to 2007 ceased to operate because of funding changes at the federal level. Vaughn said Newfoundland and Labrador continues to have among the lowest literacy rates in Canada while demand remains for a skilled workforce.
“There are no province-wide initiatives to deal with family literacy, aboriginal literacy, English as a Second Language, GED (General Educational Development) preparation or workplace literacy and essential skills,” she said.
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