MORE STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM ADULT BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS

This year, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration is providing $21.4 million for Adult Basic Education (ABE) and literacy programs in Saskatchewan, an increase of over 20 per cent from the province. This will benefit approximately 7,600 adult students and, as part of the First Nations and Métis Education and Employment (2E) Strategy, $4.43 million is targeted specifically for Aboriginal students.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to improving education and employment outcomes for all Saskatchewan people and Adult Basic Education programs are an important part of that commitment," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "The ABE programs will help build the skilled workforce we need to meet our ongoing talent challenge."

ABE programs offer adult students opportunities to begin, continue or upgrade academic studies by bringing together communities, post-secondary institutions and employers to address the needs of students. ABE programs are delivered throughout the province.

Joining Minister Norris at the Legislature today are the participants of the Way2Work Project in Balcarres, which is an ABE partnership between Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and the File Hills Employment and Training Centre. The project has 10 participants who all have work placement opportunities based on participant's interests and potential for continuing employment.

"Our government recognizes that the future growth and prosperity of our province is linked to the success of First Nations and Métis students," Norris said. "Way2Work is a great example of an innovative adult basic education program for First Nations adults living on-reserve."

The ministry has issued an RFP for Adult Basic Education - Essential Skills for the Workplace (ABE-ESWP) projects for the 2011-12 year. For further details, please visit www.aeei.gov.sk.ca/abe-eswp/rfp.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Barrie
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170