13.3 Background Information

The Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County (formerly known as the Cape Breton Literacy Network) was organized in 1989 by the Nova Scotia Department of Education’s Adult Education Coordinator and has been sponsoring community based adult upgrading classes since 1993.

The Adult Learning Association of Cape Breton County Association is registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks as a non-profit society and is also a federally registered charitable organization.

The Association responds to the learning needs of adults by delivering community based adult literacy and upgrading programming in Cape Breton County.

The Association’s free community based classes are open to any adult 19 or over who has been out of school for 1 year and who wants to improve his/her reading, writing and math skills. The classes are small (fewer than 15 students) and learner centred. There is a continuous entry and exit policy. Students are informally assessed to determine their skill levels and helped to identify their learning goals. Qualified teachers follow the Nova Scotia Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program in all classes. Completion of Level Two of the Program can lead to further educational opportunities at either the Nova Scotia Community College or the Adult High School.

The ALACBC adheres to the Standards for Community Based Adult Literacy Programs which have been developed by the Nova Scotia Department of Education. These are:

• A quality program has a commitment to, and strong support from, the community.
• A quality program has a commitment to staff training, development and support.
• A quality program is accountable to all its stakeholders: learners, practitioners, sponsors and funders.
• A quality program responds to the needs of the learner.
• A quality program has sufficient and appropriate resources available.
• A quality program evaluates the learner using appropriate tools and strategies.
• A quality program provides recognition for learning that is portable to and accredited by other programs both inside and outside the delivery organization.
• A quality program has appropriate learner support services available or provides referral to services.
• A quality program empowers learners.
• A quality program has a mission statement.
• A quality program respects cultural diversity.
• A quality program contributes to lifelong learning.
• A quality program has adequate, ongoing funding that allows it to fulfill its mission.

The enhanced skills and self esteem that result from the development of literacy skills can lead to an improved quality of life for the learner and his/her family.

The ALACBC is currently in receipt of funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Education and the United Way of Cape Breton.

In June of 2004, the ALACBC moved the Learning Centre from 216 Charlotte Street to 28 Hillview Avenue in Sydney. The Learning Centre provides three classroom spaces as well as a resource centre and space for administrative offices. In 2006-2007, the ALACBC also has locations in Glace Bay, New Waterford and North Sydney.