Successful TRU students on their way to ECE diploma

Saturday, 24 December 2011 12:08 |

Events

By LeRae Haynes

Twelve students graduated from the transition ECE (Early Childhood Education) course at TRU this week, finishing stage one on their way to an Early Childhood diploma. Family, friends, teachers, TRU staff and First Nations community leaders gathered to offer their congratulations and ongoing support for the students.

(Deidre Jack addressed the ECE transition class graduates, congratulating them on behalf of the Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training an Employment Centre, which is the funder for the program.)

Jeanette Paul, Allison Paul, Adele Edgar, Loni Solomon, Konnie Solomon, Michelle Jeff, Allison Sulin, Valerie Duncan, Denise Hunlen, Amy Hunlen, Racquel Harry and Susan Stump successfully completed the four-month transition program, giving them the opportunity to work on essential skills tailored to Early Childhood Education, as well as things like English and communications skills and life skills.

Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training and Employment Centre (CCATEC) funds the course and it is taught at TRU through Continuing Studies for First Nations Students.

The students who graduated from the transition program will begin their three-semester diploma program at TRU on January 16. “When they receive their diploma they can apply for a license to open their own daycare, or work in an established preschool,” explained Julie Bowser, TRU Continuing Studies Coordinator.

“This allows them access to additional programs. If they want to go into Education or Human Resources, for example, they will receive credit for certain courses they have taken.”

The ceremony began with a welcome and prayer by Karen Edgar and an honour song by the Nenqayni Drummers and singers, who were led by Lillian Squinis and joined by Deidre Jack from CCATEC.

Each student was presented with a gift and was congratulated by TRU Director DR. Ray Sanders. They also received books to help start their own ECE library.

Teachers and instructors for the course, Dawn Wall, Rhonda Johnson, Michelle Jeff and Nick Suapa, were acknowledged and thanked for their professional and personal contributions to the success of the students.

Julie said that there is wide age-range of students in the transition ECE course, including young mothers and elders, and that they come from First Nations communities throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin and from Bella Coola.

She said that huge thanks are due to CCATEC, stating that they have been a partner with TRU for many years and have done several transition programs. “These are great foundation programs to get our students started on a diploma program,” she said.

These students have worked harder than any students I’ve ever seen,” said Rhonda Johnson, course instuctor and MC for the event. “I’ve seen them laugh and I’ve seen them cry. I’ve seen them struggle and I’ve seen them succeed.”

Both Deidre Jack and Chief Marilyn Baptiste spoke to the class graduates, congratulating them on the hard work, their dedication and their determination.

“I’m thankful and honoured to be able to be here this morning, and recognize one of my students, and to see the rest of the class,” Chief Baptiste said. “I am honoured to see this program happening and I want to say a special thank you to Deidre and to CCATEC for what they do for our students.

“We need more ECE grads out there. We have many students who are looking forward to working with all of you.”

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here,” Diedre said. “This is one of my favourite programs that CCATEC is able to put on. It’s always very exciting and heartwarming to look out at this room and see the success on your faces.

“On behalf of the CCATEC staff and board of directors, I want to say congratulations to all the trainees in the ECE transition program. We know that at times these programs can be very challenging, but you have all successfully completed it and have all done a wonderful job.”

She said that a special thank-you goes to all the local band offices, TRU and the families who have stood behind the students and offered their support. “CCETEC looks forward to working with you in the future, through the next three phases of this program.”