Adult Basic Education opens doors

Talk to Ryan Glover to understand the true value of education.

Five years ago, he was addicted to crystal meth and living on Nanaimo streets.

Today, he’s kicked the habit and got his life back. Thanks to hard work, determination, and the guidance of instructors in

Vancouver Island University’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, Glover is completing his university degree. He expects to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in Liberal Studies and minor in Anthropology next spring.

“Ryan is just one example of the hundreds, if not thousands, of students who succeed through ABE,” said Jeannie Maltesen, Chair of the Adult Basic Education and Literacy programs in the Faculty of Adult and Continuing Education at VIU.

“Our job is opening opportunities for students they didn’t know existed.”

Enrolment in ABE and literacy programs was up 30 percent in the summer, and 18 percent this fall. Most classes currently have waiting lists.

“We often see this scenario when the economy is suffering,” Maltesen said. “We attract a very diverse student group. Some are displaced professionals who have been laid off, and need to retrain. Others have been out of school for a long time and are upgrading their education to get into certain programs or courses. Other students are here to make major life changes. ABE is the starting point.”

Maltesen tells the story of one student, a retired commercial pilot, who after 30 years of flying, decided he wanted to start a new career. After upgrading his skills through ABE, he enrolled in the Resource Management Officer Technology program to become a conservation officer.

According to Maltesen, statistics show that approximately 20 percent of VIU students start with the Adult Basic Education program. Over 3,500 adult learners in Parksville/Qualicum and another 10,000 in Nanaimo have successfully completed ABE since 1997. Courses are offered in English, math, biology, chemistry, physics, computers, education and career planning.

Maltesen said the financial cost of education is one of the biggest fears for students returning to school. “Even though ABE courses are free, students still have to pay for books and a student society fee. Some students in ABE come from very difficult life circumstances and have no financial resources,” she said. “They do not qualify for student loans.  That’s why the ABE Student Assistance Program is really important. In addition, we rely on donations from generous individuals and businesses to provide bursary money for deserving students each year.”

Glover began taking high school classes through ABE in 2005. “I’d lived on streets for many years, and battled a serious drug addiction,” he said. “I was getting help at the Surfside Treatment Centre and a counselor recommended ABE. For me, school was a last resort.”

Glover completed courses in life skills, goal setting, English and math. He earned his high school equivalency and enrolled in first year Liberal Studies courses. Three years later, he participated in a Liberal Studies Study Abroad field school to Florence, Italy, and last year, completed his second field school to Macedonia with the Anthropology department.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at VIU,’ said Glover. “I can’t say enough about the university and the quality of the instructors. They helped me change my life.”

Glover worked two semesters as a student research assistant with the VIU Foundation, completed a mentorship training program, and was recently hired as a student tutor for the Clemente project, an innovative program that provides access to university courses to marginalized adults.

For anyone thinking about returning to school, Glover says go with that impulse, desire or inclination.  “Run with it. VIU is an awesome place.”

Glover is also using his skills to help people on the streets. “I  mentor people with addictions and those in treatment centres,” he said. “It feels good to know that maybe I can lend a helping hand to inspire them, introduce them to education again, and hopefully encourage them to seek a better life.”