October 22, 2008
First Franco-Manitobaine Adult Learning Centre Opens In Winnipeg
Manitoba’s first French-language adult learning centre will prepare French-speaking students to finish high school and upgrade employment skills in their first language, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford and Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced at the centre’s grand opening today.
Operated by the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM), the Centre d’apprentissage franco-manitobaine centre is based at Collège Louis-Riel in St. Boniface and will meet the needs of learners aged 19 and older.
“Our adult learning centres are providing Manitobans with opportunities for employment and better incomes,” McGifford said. “This new facility will also expand the role of adult learning centres by providing culturally appropriate education to strengthen lifelong learning for French-speaking Manitobans.”
“Some young adult newcomers to Canada have had an interrupted education due to circumstances in their home countries,” Bjornson said. “As adult students in Manitoba, they will learn to work with computers, study math, geography, social studies and communication skills in French and English, and improve their workplace and employment skills.”
“The Division scolaire franco-manitobaine has schools located throughout the province with a concentration in the heart of the Franco-Manitoban community and will offer newcomers to Canada a sense of comfort and belonging,” said Denis Ferré, superintendent of the DSFM. “Collège Louis-Riel is easily accessible by public transportation and its close proximity to the Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre and other institutions and businesses provides many opportunities for students to become familiar with the education system, Manitoba’s francophone community and our unique culture.”
Evening classes have been offered to adult learning centre students at Collège Louis-Riel since the beginning of October. The DSFM hopes to register up to 20 students in the program. They will also focus on helping students who are newcomers to Canada to integrate into the Franco-Manitoban community.
Manitoba’s commitment to adult learning centre programming is $15.6 million. Combined with an investment of $2.5 million for adult literacy, Manitoba’s annual commitment to adult learning is more than $18.1 million.
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