Public encouraged to take advantage of programs for Adult Education Month

The public is being encouraged to continue utilizing the opportunity to empower themselves for self-development and growth as Adult Education observes its annual Adult Education Month in September under the theme “Empowering Growth, Building Skills, and Promoting Continuing Education to Strengthen Communities.”The Adult Education Division was established in the 1970s and has celebrated Adult Education Month since its inception. This division falls under the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence, and it receives an annual subvention as estimated in the budget.

Head of the Adult Education Division (Ag) Carol Charles White spoke with Dominica News Online (DNO) about the aim of Adult Education Month, which is to promote programs and activities while creating awareness among the public in the seven districts across Dominica where these programs are conducted.

“We have assisted hundreds of persons to build their self-esteem to believe in themselves. Because most of our participants are the under-privileged. We also target those who are less fortunate, drop out from school, who may have missed the opportunity to complete their formal education for whatever reason. Also, individuals who may just want to gain a skill and improve themselves. We try our utmost best to reach out to those [persons] to get them involved in our programs so they have a second chance at achieving something for themselves. A number of participants have successfully gone on to complete their CXC and entered into the employment arena. There are even participants who have secured employment at the banks,” Mrs. White added.

According to White, after completing the programs, many participants have experienced a boost in their confidence levels, leading some to successfully start their own businesses. However, she explained, “We do have challenges like everywhere else to include lack of adequate, appropriate space to provide courses. We have an institution. We do not really have a building that is ours. For some of the courses…they are held at different schools across the island, which is ideal as the classes are held after school hours for adults.”

Adult Education Month commenced with an address from the Minister of Education, a church service, and a radio program. It will continue throughout September with various activities, including a literacy day, themed “Leaders are Readers,” a book fair, literacy week, graduations for participants in different programs, and a national exhibition.

Mrs. White added, “I would like to encourage individuals to participate in our programs; you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. When you join our programs, we tailor our offerings to meet your needs.”

The range of programs offered at Adult Education includes Basic Literacy, Numeracy, Pre-CSEC, and English as a Second Language, as well as skills training in areas such as Sewing, Nail Art, Food Preparation, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Small Appliance Repair, Woodwork, Carpentry, Masonry, Pastry Making, and Cake Decorating, among others.