Maria Canton
Northern News Services

CLYDE RIVER (Nov 01/99) - Not only is there a brand-new community learning facility in Clyde River, there are 42 people attending full-time college programs.

The Arctic College satellite campus has three full-time day programs, including a new office administration diploma program, and runs night classes throughout the week.

"The new centre is wonderful, it makes such a difference and it's packed all of the time," says Jason Carpenter, an adult educator at the centre.

"Before we had a little, tiny one-room centre that wasn't a very nice learning environment."

Carpenter is currently instructing at the centre and this is the first time the office administration program has been offered in the community with a population just over 700.

Student Jerry Natanine says he saw the office program advertised on a store bulletin board and, having worked in an office before, thought it would be good to acquire more skills.

"So far it's been a good introduction to office procedures and computer skills," he said.

"I already knew about computers, but I'm learning more about word processing."

As part of the program, students will do work placements in the community that will give them the practical training in preparation for the work world.

"The program and work placements will help me find a job," said Natanine.

"And I've already taken accounting 1 and carpentry through the college."

Similarly, early childhood education program student Pauline Jaypoody says her studies will help her find a job in the community as well as learn more about children.

"For my work placement I'm at the school working with kids from kindergarten through Grade 2," said Jaypoody, who has two kids of her own.

Each of the programs, including an adult basic education program, has the maximum of 14 people enrolled.

"We have 42 people here taking college courses and that's only in day programs," said Carpenter.

"In the evenings we have Bible, computer and Inuktitut classes."

Carpenter says some of the success can be directly attributed to the new centre.

"When it opened last spring we had opening ceremonies and a community feast," he said.

"The first class in the building helped move everything and set it up. Now we're packed all day long."