GOVERNMENT INCREASES FUNDING FOR ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

More people will benefit from Adult Basic Education upgrading this year thanks to additional provincial government funding of over $1.25 million. The increase will expand the program by 336 seats, with over 5,300 people expected to participate in the program that will receive nearly $14 million in funding this year.

Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson made the announcement today at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), which received funding for the first time from the provincial government to deliver Adult Basic Education programs. In addition to the $332,000 for Adult Basic Education, the province has allocated an additional $568,000 to the Provincial Training Allowance to support students at SIIT, for a total of over $900,000.

"The Adult Basic Education program is an important opportunity for those people who were unable to finish high school in their youth, and who realize as adults, the increased opportunities that are available to them with a high school diploma," Atkinson said. "A grade 12 education is an important first step for people to achieve their aspirations for employment or continued education and training. This is particularly important for First Nations and Métis people who make up almost 60 per cent of Adult Basic Education students and given the province's growing economy and need for a skilled labour force."

"I believe this is a start that sees the Province and SIIT working together to address the need for adult basic education," SIIT president Ray Ahenakew said. "We are looking at the future and our need to assertively address the skill shortages facing this province. We need to create as many opportunities as we can to help individuals start on a career path. The start is access to the fundamentals of basic education."

Adult Basic Education provides adults who have not completed high school with opportunities to upgrade their academic skills for further post-secondary education, training employment or personal development. Government funding is provided to SIAST, regional colleges, Dumont Technical Institute, and SIIT to ensure tuition-free access to Adult Basic Education courses.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Dianne Shannon Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0926