New funding to expand Manitoba’s adult education programs

The Manitoba government is spending $2.5 million to expand adult education programming in Manitoba.

New funding from the Manitoba government will help bolster adult education and literacy programming in the province.

On Tuesday, Manitoba announced a $2.5 million pledge for adult learning centres and literacy programs, including $1 million for First Nations and northern communities.

The province noted this new money, which brings its total funding for adult learning and literacy to $24.9 million for the fiscal year, will help Manitobans obtain high school diplomas and improve literacy and numeracy skills.

Renée Cable, Manitoba advanced education and training minister, noted that adult education tends to be overlooked in the education system.

“There is a forgotten piece of the puzzle here, which is adult education,” she said at a news conference on Tuesday.

“So that’s literacy skills, that’s coming back to finish your Grade 12. And I’ve said to many people – everyone’s education journey is different.”

According to the Manitoba government, the $2.5 million will be used to strengthen existing programs in priority communities and support the recruitment and retention of professionals to deliver quality programming.

The province announced it is also providing an additional $100,000 to support 60 Indigenous women in the early childhood education, adult education and employment, and family support worker programs at Urban Circle. The government noted this money will improve programming through the incorporation of ancestral teaching, traditional ceremonies and land-based learning.