MCAE to Rally, Present Award to Bosley
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education (MCAE) will be giving State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, a lifetime achievement award at Adult Literacy Awareness Day today at the State House.At 11 a.m., hundreds of adult learners and adult literacy practitioners from across the state will assemble in the Gardner Auditorium in the State House for Adult Literacy Awareness Day. This annual event, organized by the Massachusetts Alliance for Adult Literacy (MassAAL) and MCAE, draws participants in General Educational Development (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 support for these programs. In 2009, adult learners filled the Gardner Auditorium and went to legislative offices to advocate for funding for ABE in the budget.
Hundreds of adult learners are expected at the State House to ask their legislators to support $28 million for Adult Basic Education in the fiscal year 2011 budget.
According to MCAE, 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.
"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 complete college and become a state leader.
MCAE will give Bosley the MCAE Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding dedication to adult basic education and his many years of service advocating for funding for ABE and the needs of adult learners statewide. "Representative Dan Bosley has been a champion for adult education for many years," said MCAE's Executive Director Kenneth Tamarkin.
"Adult basic education is essential to recovering from the recession and getting people back to work. Without basic literacy, it is more difficult to prepare adults for the jobs currently available and to teach them new skills needed to become a more qualified worker," Bosley. "I am honored to be receiving this award and hope that other legislators will continue supporting the wonderful work that the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education does."
Adult Literacy Awareness Day is supported by the Hyams Foundation and endorsed by MCAE; English for New Bostonians; First Literacy, Inc.; Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition; and Massachusetts Workforce Alliance.
