PORT HAWKESBURY: Port Hawkesbury Literacy Council Student Danielle DeCoff says she was a rebellious teenager who left school at age 16, but she quickly reached a point in her life where she wanted change.
“I finally had enough courage to go back to school and improve my education and skills. My goal was to have my GED finished by the end of this year so I can apply for the Social Services course that NSCC offers… and I now have finished my GED! Adult learning is amazing!”
DeCoff is one of Literacy Nova Scotia’s (LNS) 2016-17 bursary award recipients. Her instructor describes her as a hard-working single mom who always comes to class prepared and on time.
“Danielle is enthusiastic and has a wonderful attitude. I have no doubt she will succeed in her goals and leave a positive mark on the world!”
Access to literacy and essential skills programs gives adults the capability to address poverty by improving their self-confidence and increasing their skill levels so they can find better employment.
Literacy can reduce the inequalities caused by poverty and give tools for social unity. Parents are learning models for their children. The International Adult Literacy Survey points out that children of parents with higher levels of education and literacy are more likely to read and do better in school. A child whose parents did not graduate from high school is twice as likely to live in poverty as a child whose parents did graduate. (National Centre for Children in Poverty, 1992)
Danielle is determined to succeed.
“I am trying to show my children that it is okay to struggle as long as you do not give up. I want to set the example for my children that hard work and determination yields results.”
The latest statistics show that 50 per cent of Nova Scotians could improve their lives by improving their literacy skills. Financial support for those who decide to upgrade their skills is crucial to their success.
“It’s so encouraging to know that we are able to offer support to someone like Danielle to reach her goals. But for every Danielle, there are many others who will not receive this support. We had to say no to helping 17 others make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. That’s heartbreaking when we know how little it takes to make a difference and change a life,” says LNS executive director Jayne Hunter.
Donations can be made any time to directly support a learner via CanadaHelps.