Report from the President 2026

Mark Friesen, ABEABC President

It has been an honour to serve as President of the ABEABC over the past year. I am deeply grateful for the continued support of our association’s members, and for the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm shown by our Board of Directors and Executive. These are challenging times for educational institutions across the province, and I feel fortunate to work alongside so many skilled and committed adult educators.

I would like to extend a special thank you to our Groundwork co-editors, Christine Miller and Stephanie Forgacs, for producing another outstanding issue of our magazine. Groundwork plays a vital role in highlighting the unique concerns, innovations, and emerging trends within Adult Basic Education in British Columbia. This issue is an excellent example, featuring timely articles on educator wellness, the responsible and ethical use of AI, and the ongoing importance of Indigenizing curriculum, classroom experiences, and learning environments. My appreciation also goes to BCcampus and the BC Scholarship Society who remain faithful sponsors of Groundwork and valued partners in supporting adult learners across the province.

We have an incredibly talented and dedicated Board of Directors, and I’d like express how proud I am of the work we’ve been able to accomplish over the past year.  Most significantly, we’ve completed a comprehensive review and revision of our Constitution and Bylaws to ensure greater clarity and alignment with our evolving work and organizational structure.  This has included the addition of a new Board position—Digital Media Chair—which addresses our need to maintain a consistent and coherent online presence.  These efforts have already resulted in several enhanced features on our ABEABC website such as online fillable forms which make it easier for individuals to connect with us.

I am delighted that Camosun College is once again hosting our annual Conference on April 30 and May 1, 2026. This year’s theme, “Balanced Classrooms: Wellness in Digital and Face-to-Face Learning,” reflects our sector’s ongoing efforts to create healthy, inclusive, and adaptive learning environments for students and educators alike. Our Conference co-chairs and committee have assembled an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers and presenters, and I hope you are ready to celebrate innovation, creativity, and connection as we share best practices and learn from one another.

I invite you to engage with ABEABC in the coming year, whether by becoming a member, attending our annual conference, sharing your expertise as a presenter, contributing to Groundwork, becoming a sponsor, or supporting our advocacy for Adult Basic Education across British Columbia. Your involvement strengthens our community, deepens your practice, and expands the impact you have on learners and colleagues throughout the province.