Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 26/01) - Next week is literacy week.

Here's the good news: according to a recent GNWT report, the proportion of high school graduates in the NWT has almost doubled from 28 to 50 per cent in the last several years.

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Aurora College Outreach Centre student Patrick Kikoak says adult education has helped him become more independent. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

The bad news is we still fall about 25 per cent behind Canada's national rate.

But Yellowknife does offer a variety of free programs to those wishing to upgrade their skills.

Patrick Kikoak, a student at the Aurora College Literacy Outreach Centre, has been taking advantage of one of those programs.

"I've learned how to fill out application forms," he says. "I've been applying for jobs by myself. This program has helped me a lot."

The centre, a partnership between Aurora College and the Yellowknife Association for Community Living, offers free, individualized, day or evening classes to adults.

Another option for students is pairing up with a volunteer tutor for lessons outside the school.

"Independence is a big thing," says instructor Carolyn MacKay.

"A number of people, before they came to this program, had to rely on other people."

"One person who came here had never held a pen before," she adds. "For some, with disabilities, this has been their first schooling activity."

The Native Women's Association has a year-long adult basic education program for women that includes computer training, English and math classes and a career life course.

"For those interested in trades, this course also prepares them for writing their trades exam," said coordinator Kimberly Moreside.

In a portable in front of Akaitcho Hall, the Tree of Peace runs an adult upgrading school for aboriginal students. The school, started by Tom Eagle 30 years ago to help aboriginal people get out of dead-end jobs, doesn't replicate the traditional high school format and includes a Canadian history course from an aboriginal perspective.

"Tom Eagle figured there was a reason why they don't stay in high school," explained teacher Helene Usherwood.

NWT Literacy week runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5.