Today they launched an awareness campaign that is based on a simple message: Want to get your GED? Call 1 800 446 5265.

The message will be repeated clearly to thousands of Islanders every day on table tent cards, tray liners and message boards at Tim Hortons and Wendy’s restaurants across Prince Edward Island.

The General Educational Development (GED) testing program enables people to get their grade 12 equivalency later in life. To be eligible, a person must be 18 years old and a P.E.I. resident. There are five tests in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. Together, they take about seven hours to write.

People may choose to take the five GED exams over a two-day period, or they may take one exam at a time over a longer period.

Beginning this month, Holland College is offering GED preparation courses at Holland College and at community learning centres across the Island. There is no charge to take the course or to write the GED exams which are scheduled throughout the year.

Education Minister Gerard Greenan says the concept of the awareness campaign is simple, yet effective. “It is a clear call to action to people who may be thinking about getting their GED. We are telling them where to call for GED information and we are asking them to call the number today,” he said. “These types of community-based campaigns have worked well in the past. Working together with community partners, we can bring messages about literacy and learning to places where Islanders are.”

Danny Murphy, owner of Tim Hortons and Wendy’s said he is also pleased to participate in the campaign. “Employees and all Islanders are becoming more and more aware of the need to have at least Grade 12 today. People who have a Grade 12 credential are often easier to train and retrain. They are more likely to move into higher positions and stay with the business longer,” he said. “We are always happy to get out good information about literacy and learning to our customers and employees.”

For more information on the GED program, contact the Department of Education at 902 368 4650 or visit www.gov.pe.ca/educ.

BACKGROUNDER: GED PROGRAM

According to the 2001 census, 36,720 people aged 15 and over on P.E.I. did not have their grade 12. The latest GED statistical report shows that this number dropped to 32,530 in 2005. This means that more adult Islanders are getting their GED or taking upgrading courses to enable them to get their Grade 12 graduation certificate.

The average age of the 388 Islanders who wrote GED exams in 2005 was 34.

Of those who passed, 58 per cent were female and 42 per cent were male.

Call 1 800 446 5265 for information on programs to prepare for the GED exams or to complete requirements for the P.E.I. High School Diploma for Mature Students.

The GED prep class helps learners to prepare for the GED exam through a review of basic academic skills and opportunities to take practice tests. Subjects include: writing, social studies, science, reading and math.

Learners can acquire high school credits or upgrade their existing marks to meet the admission requirements of post-secondary institutions or to complete requirements for the P.E.I. High School Graduation Certificate for Mature Students.

GED prep courses are offered in the French language by la Société Éducative at locations throughout the Island. For information call 902 854 3010.

For information on the GED and other programs, call 1 800 446 5265 or the following numbers :

• Charlottetown (Main) 902-566-9628

• Montague 902-838-4026

• Morell 902-961-3005

• Souris 902-687-2447

• Summerside and East Prince 902-888-6495

• Westisle 902-888-6495

• O’Leary 902-888-6495

• Tignish 902-888-6495

• Palmer Road 902-888-6495