Vancouver College and Bell forge partnership

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An innovative new program funded by a generous donation of $200,000 from Bell Canada has given 14 young people a glimpse into exciting health careers.

According to Sue Aro, department head of Allied Health Programs at Vancouver Community College (VCC), counsellors and education co-ordinators at the lower mainland local schools recruited interested students from Grades 8 through 11 to the Health Care Careers for Aboriginal Youth summer program.

"We had one group of youth graduate from four weeks of enjoyable but informative activities on July 28 and with Bell's funding in place for the next two summers, we expect a group in both July and August next year," she said.

Currently, only 42 per cent of Aboriginal students graduate from high school compared to 80 per cent of the general population. But the program assists Aboriginal youth in focusing on their strengths and the resources needed to pursue their career aspirations. The program not only gives participants the opportunity to explore careers in health sciences, but is also an important step towards addressing the looming shortage of skilled workers in the health-care field, from physical therapists to lab technicians.

The first week was spent at the college, developing research skills, creating a career plan, and exploring employment preferences within the health care field. "So often we think of becoming a doctor or a nurse, but there are also many wonderful and fulfilling diploma courses to consider, so we helped the young people identify others that might appeal to them," said Aro. "The second week we explored VCC's program offerings, and had tours, for example, of the denturist lab.

They interacted with professionals in the pharmacy assistant program and they took X-rays in the dental assisting lab," she added.

The third week was spent at other campuses, such as the British Columbia Institute of Technology where program offerings include biotechnology and cardiology, and the University of British Columbia exploring careers as physicians and other health-related disciplines. Activities included a lesson on putting a cast on a broken limb and learning to walk on crutches.

"A pharmacist showed them how a pharmacy works and had them take their blood sugar," said Aro. A visit to the nearby Sto:lo First Nation at Sea Bird Island included a tour of the community health centre. Traditional foods and medicines ensured a blend of western and cultural lessons was included, and the group spent time at Stanley Park identifying home-grown plants used in health care.

"Each day started off with a circle and breakfast. Elder Evelyn Voyageur, who has a PhD in nursing, visited frequently and was a great role model for the students.

Two instructors, Bernice Heather and Skye Richards, contributed greatly to the success of the program as well, she said. The group completed some ministry of Education requirements so credit for creating a mandatory career portfolio could be considered, a requirement for high school graduation.

VCC's two campuses are located in the heart of Vancouver neighborhoods with the city's highest concentration of urban Aboriginal residents, and the college's leadership is deeply committed to making a difference in the community.

"It was an exciting project. Every student was from a different First Nation so there was lots of cross-cultural sharing as well. Everyone learned a lot and we're looking forward to welcoming many more next summer as we could accommodate up to 50 students in two groups," said Sue Aro.

Pam McDonald is Bell Canada's director of public affairs and community relations.

"We are excited about some of the initiatives we have in British Columbia, and especially the project with Vancouver Community College," she said. "We are committed to the Aboriginal youth in our communities and have been involved with the students in the health career summer program, and we were excited to attend the graduation remony on July 28."

She also noted that it was important to respect Aboriginal culture and traditions and to incorporate their heritage into their learning process. She was impressed with the potential of the students and hoped that some would indeed pursue careers in the health industry.

"Bell looks forward to a continuing relationship with VCC and with other projects in the Aboriginal community," concluded McDonald. "The college is doing a great job of reaching the young people in the city and we're glad to be a part of it."