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<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br>
<br>
CONTACT:</b><br>
Ernest Best, Director<br>
MassAAL<br>
office: 617-482-9485<br>
cell: 857-492-5803<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:ebest@worlded.org">ebest@worlded.org</a><br>
<br>
<div align="center"><big><b>Adult Literacy Crucial For Massachusetts’
Economic Growth<br>
Hundreds To Rally At State House To Preserve Funding</b></big><br>
</div>
<br>
(Boston, MA) Nearly one of every six adults in Massachusetts has less
than a high school diploma, limited English skills or both, hindering
their ability to compete in our state’s rapidly changing economy or
support their own child’s educational advancement.<br>
<br>
On T<b>hursday, March 12 at 11 AM</b> hundreds of current and former
adult learners and adult literacy practitioners from across the state
will rally in the <b>Gardner Auditorium in the State House for Adult
Literacy Awareness Day. </b><br>
<br>
This annual event, organized by the Massachusetts Alliance for Adult
Literacy (MassAAL), draws participants in GED, Adult Basic Education
(ABE), and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes to
tell their stories and urge their local representatives to continue
bugetary support for these programs. In 2008, more than 1000 attended. <br>
<br>
Adult education creates a pathway to success leading people to better
jobs, higher education and civic participation. Currently there is a
far greater demand for programs than slots available. <br>
<br>
“In this economic climate, when basic math and literacy skills are
critical, we need at least level funding for adult education,” notes
MassAAL director Ernest Best. A former adult learner himself, Best
chose a GED over life on the streets and went on to attend UMass-Boston
and MIT.<br>
<br>
“Change in the economy will depend on an educated work force, “ adds
State Representative Jeffery Sánchez. “”It is therefore important for
us to recognize the key role adult education plays in our economy, and
for individuals in providing true economic independence.”<br>
<br>
The Adult Literacy Awareness Day is sponsored by the Boston Foundation
and the Hyams Foundation and endorsed by Massachusetts Coalition for
Adult Education (MCAE); English for New Bostonians (ENB); First
Literacy, Inc. (formerly the Boston Adult Literacy Fund); Massachusetts
Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA); and Massachusetts
Workforce Alliance (MWA).<br>
<br>
About MassAAL<br>
The Massachusetts Alliance for Adult Literacy (MassAAL) is the voice
for the adult learner in Adult Basic Education (ABE), English for
Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and GED programs in Massachusetts.
MassAAL assists the adult learner in developing lifelong leadership
skills, creates public awareness about the need for adult literacy, and
strengthens the adult learner's voice in shaping public policy for
adult literacy services in Massachusetts. For more information on
MassAAL, visit <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.sabes.org/student/massaal.htm">http://www.sabes.org/student/massaal.htm</a><br>
<br>
FOR more information<br>
Ernest Best, Director<br>
MassAAL<br>
office: 617-482-9485<br>
cell: 857-492-5803<br>
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:ebest@worlded.org">ebest@worlded.org</a><br>
<br>
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