For most of us, a new year means a New Year’s Resolution. These resolutions usually include the desire to change old habits like eating healthier, watching less TV, and socializing more. But what about adding something new, such as upgrading your literacy skills in the coming year? This could mean learning about financial literacy, reading more books, or upgrading your computer skills.
With the recession still upon us, financial literacy will undoubtedly be a big issue in the new year. Learning how to manage our finances properly, how to save for retirement, and how to invest wisely are just some of the ways we can get a grasp on our financial futures. To spearhead this, the federal government has created the Task Force on Financial Literacy to create a strategy for strengthening the financial literacy of Canadians. There are also many books, courses, and online resources to get us started in paying down our personal debts.
Another resolution may be to upgrade your technology skills. Local libraries, community organizations, and colleges often offer free or inexpensive courses on computer programs or new social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and Blogs. Being adept with technology is a skill greatly valued by employers in our modern economy.
Or what about resolving to read more, both individually and as a family? If you’re more of a social person, look into book clubs in your area. If reading to your children is a higher priority for you in the coming year, there are many literacy programs now focusing on parents as the means of improving the reading and writing skills of all family members.
Increasing your literacy skills, whether in the area of finance, technology, or literature requires a strong commitment. The good news, however, is that there are programs throughout Ontario to help you achieve your goal. Learning a new skill can be daunting at first, but the benefits – such as possible new career opportunities, keeping your mind sharp, and meeting new people – are plentiful if you stick to it.
Valentine’s Day: some of us love it, some of us dread it. But, either way – like all holidays – Valentine’s Day brings fun and unique opportunities to practice some of our essential skills. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on that special someone to say “I care”; instead, here’s a few ideas on how to give big, spend little, and practice your reading and writing skills all at the same time:
Skills for the 21st Century
February 3, 2010 — ontarioliteracycoalitionIn these current economic times, the issue of the lack of skilled labour is increasingly coming to the forefront. Workers who have been laid off are finding that the new jobs available require higher skills levels. In a recent article by the Globe and Mail, Rick Miner, the past president of Toronto’s Seneca College and a former management professor, claims that there “will be an expanding pool of unskilled workers looking for jobs and an even larger number of companies that cannot find the workers they require.”
In its presentation to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, the OLC pointed out the value of increased and sustained funding for adult learning programs: “Investment in literacy and skills training generates a payback for individuals, but it also accelerates growth in the economy and in productivity, and improves the government’s fiscal balance.”
To help Ontarians find the Employment Services they need, Employment Ontario has released fact sheets for each region of the province . To view the sheets, click here.
Nowhere more than in Ontario has the current recession signalled a profound restructuring in the economy. The demand for skills upgrading in this new economy cannot be ignored if Ontario wishes to compete globally and increase its productivity.