The Independent Learning Centre Celebrates Adult Learners

TORONTO, March 4 /CNW/ - International Adult Learners' Week (IAWL), March 1st through March 7th, celebrates adult learners and the joy of learning throughout life. As Ontario's designated provider of distance education, the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) is proud to be a supporter and education partner in this year's celebration.

The 2010 theme for the IALW in Canada is "Opening Up the Possibilities."

Sarah Irwin, Managing Director of the ILC notes the evolution of adult learners. "We are seeing a new wave of adult learners in today's society. Being a mature student isn't just about night school anymore, it's about finding the right program that fit the individual needs of adult learners."

For years, Yvette who worked in Human Resources in Oshawa, Ontario, advised and counselled others on how to reach their goals. "I felt like a fraud, I was helping others with their own career and here I was without my high school diploma."

It was only after being laid-off that Yvette made the decision to focus on her education. She chose the ILC because of its flexible nature. "Doing my courses online was ideal as it allowed me to take care of other obligations and pursue this on my time."

After graduating from the ILC Yvette continued to pursue her educational goals and has since graduated from a college level Human Resources Graduate program. "I can now put my education proudly on my resume without having to hide the lack of diplomas from prospective employers."

The ILC salutes Yvette and all adult learners across Ontario who are working towards achieving their educational goals.

About the Independent Learning Centre

The Independent Learning Centre (ILC) is the province's designated provider of accredited distance education and the exclusive provider of General Educational Development (GED) testing in Ontario. Funded by the Ministry of Education, the ILC provides self-paced distance education high school courses and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Since 2001 TVO, has administered the Independent Learning Centre. For more information, visit ilc.org.

About the IALW

International Adult Learners Week was officially launched by UNESCO on September 8, 2000 with a focus on lifelong learning. Since 2002, IALW has been celebrated in Canada and has raised the profile of adult learning throughout the country. The Independent Learning Centre has spearheaded the Ontario chapter of the IAWL since 2003 and continues to work closely with other educational partners to celebrate the successes of adult learners.

For further information: Lise Leclair, Senior Communications and Marketing Officer, [phone] x2306, [phone] (cell), [email protected]; Carolyn Weckesser, Marketing Manager, [phone] x 2018, [phone] (cell), [email protected]