Store-front school offers second opportunity

The Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre continues to focus on youth, getting them back into the classroom and on to further education or into job placements.

“Even though these students didn’t enjoy or function well in a standardized school system and dropped out, there is still plenty of opportunity for them to be successful,” said Gerry Zelinski, principal at the Youth Learning Resource Centre.

The store-front school was started in 1999 through a partnership with Alberta Distance Learning’s Cam Oulton, Vista Virtual School principal, and instructor Gord Liske, who enabled modular and on-line courses.

Because Zelinski is a qualified teacher with 30 years of classroom experience, he can help the students with their course work, which they complete at the learning centre to avoid the many distractions at home.

In 2008, Zelinski reviewed the success of the students and noted that not all the students were completing their high school diploma. “That year we started to work with Alberta Employment and Immigration and Service Canada and added 10 weeks of living skills instruction, including everything from budgeting to career counselling to resume preparation.”

AADAC, now known as Addictions Services, helps with smoking cessation and substance abuse programs. First Aid and some of the other certificates needed for many jobs are also taught, as well as driver’s education, further enabling the youth to be prepared for work. The students are then offered placements in the work force for three months.

The participants become more informed and aware of what they want to do with their futures.

“Some realize that they need more education to get a job they really want, and are happy to return to the classroom. They don’t want to serve hamburgers forever,” he said. “They get credits for the work experience and for the courses so they are well prepared to make some decisions.”

Others like their new position and stay on as employees, receiving on-the-job training as they advance. Cold Lake’s Portage College offers many post-secondary career programs or students work at the university level with on-line courses from Athabasca University.

Students are encouraged to live a traditional lifestyle as well.

“Gina Russell is a successful Aboriginal business person who is also trained in life skills. She does a workshop on how to live traditionally in a modern world,” Zelinski said.
“A huge group of partners has co-ordinated to give youth a realistic look at goal setting, action plans, and experience,” said Zelinski. “They have the tools for success and we’re pleased to have played a part in their future.”

Other programs and services offered by the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre include a women’s healing circle, summer camps, workshops which address social problems, interpretation services, soup and bannock lunches, used clothing, and family activities.