The Collège Nordique continues its commitment to Literacy and Skills Development

On March 12 and 13, Patrick Arsenault, Executive Director of the Collège Nordique, traveled to Ottawa to attend a working session and the official board meeting of the Réseau pour le développement de l’alphabétisme et des compétences (RESDAC). The RESDAC brings together organizations from across the country that provide education services to Francophone adults. This meeting was an opportunity to address several crucial issues, including RESDAC’s political positioning, its 2025-2026 action plan, and strategies for skills development in minority Francophone communities.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

The RESDAC and its members advocate for "learning from cradle to rocking chair." The Collège Nordique contributes to maintaining a rich and tailored educational offering, enabling learning in formal (post-secondary education), informal (professional training), and non-formal (personal growth) settings.

By offering a diverse range of training programs adapted to learners’ needs, the Collège Nordique plays a key role in enhancing essential, linguistic, digital, and intercultural skills. Its offerings include post-secondary programs in French, such as the Early Childhood Education program (In French), language courses, professional certifications, and training focused on practical skills necessary for employability and everyday life. Through its flexible and inclusive approach, the Collège enables adult learners to refine their knowledge and access new professional opportunities, thus contributing to the economic and social vitality of Francophone minority communities.

A Strategic Reflection on Literacy and Skills Development

The Collège Nordique’s trip to Ottawa is part of a broader effort to strengthen pan-territorial collaboration on literacy and skills development issues. Since 2021, the RESDAC has been conducting a strategic reflection on lifelong learning and the adoption of the Skills for Success model (in French). This initiative involves numerous partners and aims to define concrete strategies to improve access to training in French and address the specific needs of minority communities.

The Skills for Success, developed by Employment and Social Development Canada (2021), encompass nine key areas: adaptability, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity and innovation, reading, writing, numeracy, and digital literacy. These skills are essential to help learners navigate a constantly evolving world and access educational and professional opportunities that align with their aspirations.

Additionally, the Skills for Flourishing, developed by the RESDAC, emphasize linguistic skills, identity affirmation, civic engagement, and community living. They empower French-speaking individuals to embrace their identity, actively participate in their communities, and contribute to the vibrancy of the Francophonie in minority settings.

Sustainable Solutions

During this meeting, RESDAC members shared best practices in developing essential, digital, and professional skills. The importance of a coordinated approach tailored to the realities of Francophones living in minority contexts was highlighted, as well as the need for initiatives that promote inclusion and recognition of acquired skills.

Through its expertise and commitment, the Collège Nordique remains dedicated to fostering a diverse and accessible training offering for Francophones in the Northwest Territories. By establishing new partnerships and strengthening collaborations, it actively contributes to the development of sustainable solutions to improve access to education and skills development within Canada’s Francophonie.