HERE AND THERE

University College of the Cariboo (UCC) is now officially Thompson Rivers University (TRU). The new university has committed to continuing Adult Basic Education programming

TRU’s UPrep will be offering two new courses next year: Psychology 050 and English 051.

Okanagan University College will face dissolution and creation of two new institutions: the University of British Columbia – Okanagan in Kelowna and Okanagan College, with campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton.

Volunteer tutor literacy programs are offered at Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, and Oliver/Osoyoos.

Kamloops Community Learning Center, Continuing Education – SD#73 has 33 course offerings available – Grades 10 – 12. Approximately 400 students at present. New course added this year: First Nations 12. Hot lunch/soup program, free for all KCLC students, introduced this year. There are also about 6 adult students at the Victoria Street campus plus 12 adult students at the Four Directions Storefront and about 100 at Kamloops Regional Corrections Centre.

Kwantlen University College has brought all preparatory courses under one virtual umbrella to create curricular pathways that are clearer, and to adopt best practices for student support, acknowledging the unique needs of ABE and ESL learners.

New trades courses at Kwantlen College: New trades courses were planned for the Surrey Campus for September 2005: Trades English 1 teaches vocabulary and communication skills related to tools, machines and technical processes for entry level trades training. Level 2 provides similar language proficiency skills for entry into appliance servicing, automotive jobs, light ware-housing and other technical courses. After completion of these courses, students can enter the technical programs. The new Cloverdale campus, opening in September 2006, will focus on trades education.

A number of Surrey area schools have reported a decline in ESL students.

Surrey Continuing Education says that ABE numbers are good for Literacy and ABE courses.

Surrey Continuing Ed has been running an innovative program of literacy and high school courses for First Nations and youth at risk in the 15-17 age group.

Many new ABE programs available this year through Surrey Continuing Education include:

  1. A program to help young moms in partnership with community groups;
  2. Adult education for workers at Fraser Downs race track;
  3. Program at Surrey Pre-trial Centre;
  4. A learning group for young women from the street living in a safe house in Cloverdale; and
  5. A contract to provide literacy to learners with intellectual challenges through Clover Valley industries.

Surrey College, a private post-secondary institution which is affiliated with Surrey School District is aimed at literacy students, high school grads and adults seeking a career change. Surrey College offers forty career-oriented certificates and diplomas in five locations.

Delta Continuing Education is expanding programs with the Tsawwassen First Nations band.

Selkirk College: - the Nelson campus, which delivers most courses in a lecture format, is experimenting with having an open classroom open from 8am to 8pm. - ABE has been more strongly integrated into the college's advertising and PR materials in the past year, focussing on ABE being the gateway into the college and the first contact for many residents in this rural college region.

College of the Rockies: -Semestered ABE enrollments in Cranbrook are down this year, while enrollments in the Directed Study programs in Cranbrook and Creston are about normal. -The Cranbrook campus continues to run ABE outreach projects in cooperation with the Salvation Army and the Boy’s and Girls Club in Cranbrook. -The Elk Valley Campus has a new basic Literacy pilot project at the Spardell Trailer Court in Sparwood. All the students are at the Fundamental level and really seem to be enjoying coming to COTR at Geri's Place in the Trailer Court. The trailer for Geri's Place has been set up for 2 1/2 years now. Geri’s Place is a safe, warm trailer where coffee is on and people can chat. COTR entered the scene this fall and run literacy on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3 hours each day between 10:00 am - 1:00 pm