First Nations Adult Education

Chilliwack, B.C.: 

Good day. As Head Teacher at the Sto:lo Adult Education Centre CAP Site in Chilliwack, I would like to express my gratitude to the founders and administrators of the program.

Adult students are only funded to 1/2 the levels of youth and the CAP funds we have received over the years have allowed us not to be a financial liability to our school district. This not only allows us to stay open but also to deliver more current and technical curriculum to our students.

We are located on the Sto:lo Nation Government grounds which administer to bands from Hope to Mission in the Fraser Valley. We are open for 38 hours per week and situated amidst a cluster of other educational, employment and self development programs. Being a CAP site in a school that operates as a drop in centre, makes it easy for any of the other program members or people off the street to come in and use our computer lab for job searches, creating resumes, communicating with their home bands, dealing with both governmental and nongovernmental agencies etc. They are also able to use our photocopier, fax machines and telephones. Often, people who come in to use our technological services, get a feel for the school itself and ask about enrolling in courses.

Our role as a CAP site has been very beneficial to our school as well as to the regional community. Adult education is viewed by many districts as the first place to make cuts when services have to be curtailed due to reduced educational funding. The computers, software and communications technologies that we have been able to afford over the years as a CAP center have helped us remain current. So, once again thanks to those who make this program possible and I only hope it can continue into the future.