About Us

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide academic upgrading in Levels 1& 2 of the NS Adult Learning Program, Pre-GED  and GED preparation, as well as employability programs for adults of Pictou County. This will allow our participants to develop lifelong learning so as to participate more fully at home, at work, and in our community.

Background

Pictou County Continuous Learning Association (PiCCoLA) opened its doors in 1996 to offer literacy and numeracy skills to adults. Many people drop out of school for any number of reasons: to go to work, difficulty learning, lost interest, bullying, stress, or to take care of a family member or members. After some time goes by, many realize they are limited in their career selection without a Grade 12 or equivalent (GED). Some may want to take a trade or diploma / degree but they do not have the marks to get accepted. And others yet again just want to learn! To be able to set an example for their children and sit and read a book together! 

Whatever your motivation, we at PiCCoLA are ready, willing, and able to help! Let us help you decide on your education goals....Let us do an assessment to help you better understand your level of education.....Then, we can help you reach those goals! Some attain these quickly, while others take some time - we make sure it is a comfortable journey and enjoyable one as well!

So, what are you waiting for? Call us and take that first step! You certainly won't regret it! 902-755-5827 for our New Glasgow location, and 902-485-7014 for our Pictou Head Office. 


 Testimony

“All my adult life I have been told that I would not be able to get a decent job without an education. Although I had learned the basics of reading and writing before moving to Canada, there was so much more that I needed to learn. Unfortunately, being a wife and mother to eight children, I did not have the opportunity to follow that dream. 

Piccola provided me with that opportunity to improve and develop my learning skills. This program allowed be not only to better myself but to be proud of my accomplishments. Though there were times I wanted to give up, the teaching staff and the program's flexible structure encouraged me to persevere, to continue. Often times the staff would take the extra time to explain in detail the curriculum in a manner that made it easier for me to understand. It made all the difference. One of the things I love about the program is that it is not only limited towards academic learning. Such courses such as CPR and computer classes are offered to students in order to broaden their knowledge. Through Piccola I was able to find permanent employment at the Glen Haven Nursing Home. If you had asked me a year ago if this would have been possible I would have said no. But thanks to Piccola it is my reality.”

-          Raisibe Thompson