Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 29/99) - Rhoda Kilabuk couldn't get promoted.

Try as she might, the 30-year-old Iqaluit resident couldn't climb the professional ladder at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Citing a lack of education as the primary obstacle in her path, Kilabuk said she decided to improve her chances of success by enrolling in the Dream Builders program at Arctic College.

"I couldn't get promoted because my education was at the Grade 8 level. This certificate is going to give me more leeway," said Kilabuk, in the third month of the program which is due to wrap in April.

Already excelling in the math, English and computer courses that make up part of the curriculum, Kilabuk said the grammar, fractions and basic computing and keyboarding she was picking up made her feel certain she would at last be able to advance in the workplace.

"If I get the certificate, I'll get a better job and make more money. I'm hoping this will improve my life. It's starting to look that way," she said.

To help ensure that women like Kilabuk do succeed when the program finishes, the senior instructor of academic studies at Arctic College said a work experience component and several job-related skills were thrown into the fray.

The skills covered include learning how to write resumes and cover letters and participate in job interviews. Sheila Knowlton-MacRury said the women are placed in the occupation of their choice for three weeks.

"If you're not really skilled and you're insecure, you're afraid to try things. We're trying to provide women with an opportunity. People come out really empowered by the end. It's an extremely positive experience," said Knowlton-MacRury.

She added that the financial training incentive offered by the Kakivak Association gave the nine women enrolled in the program the extra boost they needed to see the program through to its end.

"For them to come back to school without any means of support is almost impossible," she said.

A birthright development corporation committed to enhancing the lives of beneficiaries in the Baffin region, Kakivak provides the participants with money while attending the program. They also support up to two of their children.

That's a break that Kilabuk couldn't have done without.

"If I didn't get sponsorship from Kakivak, I wouldn't be in school because I'd have to look for another source of income. If they weren't paying, I wouldn't be here," said Kilabuk.