Print the Plan

Improve Adult Literacy

Implemented

Way Forward Commitment:

For different reasons, some adults did not have the opportunity to build a strong educational foundation early in their lives. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians must be supported to acquire new skills throughout their lives in order to obtain and maintain employment. Literacy supports are therefore essential to building a strong and inclusive workforce. In 2018-19, our government will develop a new Adult Literacy Action Plan. Our approach will consider how to build an even more empowered, skilled and ready workforce for our increasingly knowledge-based economy.

What We’ve Accomplished:

  • Five public consultation sessions were held throughout the province in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, and St. John’s.
  • Discussions were also held with adult learners, education and training facilities, public libraries, community organizations, Indigenous governments and organizations, technology firms, and unions and organizations representing labour and employers.
  • Submissions and comments were received from over 50 organizations.
  • In total, almost 300 individuals participated in a consultation or submitted their input in writing.
  • A review of feedback and comments from consultations has been completed.
  • Jurisdictional research of adult literacy initiatives throughout Canada has been completed.
  • On October 17, 2019, the Provincial Government launched The Way Forward on Adult Literacy, a five-year action plan to help adult Newfoundlanders and Labradorians get the literacy skills they need to lead healthier, more productive lives and fully participate in the province’s economy.
  • Supported by $60 million in funding over five years, the Adult Literacy Plan identifies 30 actions the Provincial Government and its partners will take to provide adult learners with increased opportunities to strengthen their literacy skills by improving the province’s adult literacy system. These actions will:
    • Raise awareness about adult literacy programs and services;
    • Increase access to adult literacy programs and services;
    • Enhance programs and services for adult literacy;
    • Improve employability of persons with literacy challenges; and,
    • Measure progress of provincial adult literacy.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Provides Update on Development of Adult Literacy Action Plan
Provincial Government Launches The Way Forward on Adult Literacy