A skills-training program for Canim Lake Band (CLB) adult students at the 100 Mile House campus of Thompson Rivers University is showing great success.
CLB adult basic education co-ordinator Kyla Miller says it is a dynamic program that both evolves and revolves around the students’ individual goals, and gives them a feeling of pride and accomplishment.
The program provides the basic skills and knowledge to prepare students for pursuing post-secondary education, trades training, or employment, as well as a sense of self-fulfillment and satisfaction, she explains.
“It is also directed toward helping with life skills in general, such as how to succeed with your goals.”
Miller notes the program has been underway since May 2013. Last summer, all the students took a career and education preparation class on foundation skills, including goal setting and resume writing, she adds.
“It is extremely successful. It also helps increase involvement in their community.”
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) program co-ordinator Robin Bercowski says the course has been “very, very successful” and greatly exceeded her expectations.
“We have got something going here. When we started, we had no idea how it was going to shake out, and it has just totally taken off.
“In the 10 years I have been a TRU co-ordinator, I have never seen a more dedicated group of students. I just burst with pride over this group.”
When adult students have been out of school for a period of time, they often tend to get “laid back” about their education, she adds. Bercowski explains this program rekindles that desire for knowledge and further education.
“It provides prerequisites to a lot of the programs that they are looking for, and it is also a credit toward their Dogwood [graduation diploma], if that is what they want to continue on to.”
Student Lisa Bob says the program is also teaching them the fundamental math they need in their everyday life, and to use what they already know with confidence.
“I don’t feel social pressure or even anxiety. TRU even helped stop negative self-messages like ‘I don’t know how’, or ‘I can’t do it’. I love the work and the new skills.”
Her classmate, Joseph Archie, says the program helps students to prepare for future classroom studies together, rather than learning on their own.
“I think it is a lot easier than some of the courses I took. If somebody needs help and they have already started studying … it helps sitting beside each other – it just makes it easier to explain.”
Student Veronica Archie says she agrees it is helpful having the class working together with people they already know.
She is refreshing her knowledge and skills before advancing into post-secondary education in Vancouver.
“I think it is valuable. The upgrading helped me remember the stuff that I already knew because I already graduated.
“I’m going into restaurant management. I’m going to get my masters [degree].”
TRU course instructor Doug Knowles says the completion of the course will be transcribed on each student’s permanent education record.
“We will print completion certificates for students because I always like that sort of instrumental reward when stuff is done. It’s nice to hang on the wall.”
Miller adds milestones are also celebrated as program sessions wind up, which is typically a luncheon gathering with other band members, speakers and course instructors.
