Second chance at high school
Tulita students getting credits in the evening through True North program
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Monday, February 27, 2017
TULITA/FORT NORMAN
Those who never finished high school or didn't complete all the courses needed to follow a particular career path still have a second chance in Tulita.
The Truth North program is back for a second year after graduating its first student last year. This time around there are 22 students taking part, most of them in their early 20s and a few in their 30s. The majority of them got involved last year when the program debuted, instructor Yvonne Williams said. About eight of the students regularly attend evening classes at Chief Albert Wright School, Sunday through Thursday.
"That's one of the advantages to the program, is that it does work around their work schedule. It's flexible," Williams said. "Now that I know them, I know who they hang out with and who their friends are, so maybe I'll just say, 'Can you text so-and-so and tell them Yvonne is looking for them,' and they'll show up. Or if I see them out in the community somewhere I'll ask them how's it going and I haven't seen you in a while, or something like that, and they'll say, 'Oh, I'll be there tonight,' or 'I'll be there tomorrow night.'"
For some of those who don't show up, it's not because they're lacking motivation. Many of them work and some are also raising families, Williams noted. She added that she is getting to know the students well and she has the ability to refer them to a social worker or a counsellor if they are facing personal challenges that may be impeding their learning.
One student who just needed a few credits got them and he graduated last year, said Williams. She is optimistic another five students, three female and two male, will become graduates this year.
However, earning a high school diploma isn't the objective for every student, she said. Some are seeking certain Grade 10 or Grade 11 credits that will enable them to register for a specific post-secondary program, like hairdressing or carpentry, for example. Some may just need to upgrade their marks. "I'm quite pleased, actually, with them," Williams said of her students.
A teacher is designated to assist the students during the afternoon as well, if they require additional help.
The GNWT contributed $172,500 to get True North off the ground last year. An equal amount was designated for the program this year.
Tulita is the only NWT community tapping into funding under the Department of Education's alternative high school programs fund this year, according to a department official.
Similar programs were offered in Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Providence and Yellowknife in the past.
