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LUTSEL K'E/SNOWDRIFT
The community learning centre in Lutsel K'e is set to host its grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, but the positive affects of the new facility can already be seen, according to Michael Bridgman, the centre's community adult educator.

Lutsel K'e has had a community learning centre for decades, but in mid-September students moved into a larger, more modern facility located between the Lutsel K'e Dene School and the arena. The school, pictured here on March 30, will host a grand opening ceremony on Nov. 23. - photo courtesy of Aurora College

"We've had approximately 17 students register this year, which is pretty phenomenal for a population of around 250," he said. "I have students that are a lot more interested in coming to school. They enjoy coming here."

Bridgman said registration levels are the highest he has seen since he started work at the Aurora College satellite campus three years ago.

While the previous school was old and contained one classroom, the new school features a modern classroom and another room dedicated for computer use.

"It's just light years apart. Architecturally it's totally different. Functionally it's totally different," he said. "It's just a beautiful piece of architecture. It's probably one of the best looking buildings in all the Northwest Territories."

The $1.5 million community learning centre, which opened to students in September, offers adult learning basic education courses, including math, English and social studies, and anyone is eligible to register.

When new students apply, Bridgman first interviews them to find out their goals and reasons for returning to school. He then conducts assessment tests to see what level they should be placed in.

"I don't set people up to fail. I set my students up to pass," he said.

In addition, he helps with resumes, job searches, income taxes and anything else students might need.

Most register because they want to complete upgrading or obtain their high school diploma, he said, although that's not always the case.

"Then there's the other people who just want to come in and learn. Maybe they never had the opportunity in their life and they're older now, they're adults, and they want to come and learn. I find that great. Anybody that wants to learn for whatever reason is welcome to come into school," he said.

The learning centre's grand opening on Wednesday is set to include a traditional smudging ceremony, feeding of the fire and community feast.

Representatives from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, as well as Aurora College and the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation will make speeches.

In the past year, Lutsel K'e, Tsiigehtchic and the Hay River Reserve have received new community learning centres with funding from the federal government's Knowledge Infrastructure Program.

There are a total of 23 Aurora College learning centres across the NWT.

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