Adult education funding boost

THE literacy and numeracy skills of up to 5000 South Australians will be improved through new funding in the adult community education sector for 2018/19.

About 50 organisations across the state will share in $2.67m, delivering 67 Adult Community Education (ACE) Program courses to over 5000 participants across South Australia.

The 67 projects will support communities by providing better connections to further education, training and employment through three-year funding arrangements.

The ACE Program delivers quality foundation skills training in accessible and inclusive community settings, unlocking the potential of individuals experiencing barriers to learning, training and work.

Higher Education and Skills Minister Susan Close said the State Government was committed to expanding learning opportunities for people through the community education sector, particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy skills.

“ACE providers offer programs to help people improve language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills and to develop employability skills, in small friendly groups, or even in one-on-one coaching situations,” Ms Close said.

“The funding aims to improve the skill levels of adults who face economic and social barriers preventing them from moving to higher level training and improving their prospects of finding a job.”