Adult Basic Education

News Stories

three automotive students receive instruction from a teacher in the shop

VIU supports newcomers to Canada pursue trades careers

August 11, 2023

The tuition-free program helps newcomers transition into trades education.­­ Newcomers to Canada who want to pursue a career in the trades will get some extra help starting this September, thanks to a new program at Vancouver Island University (VIU). Called Trades Pathways for Newcomers, the cohort-based bridging program supports newcomers looking for a career in the trades by ensuring they have... Read more


VIU Nanaimo campus aerial - view of library and quad and city beyond

VIU receives funding to continue innovative upgrading program

June 5, 2023

The Pathways program helps students gain the pre-requisites they need to get into high-demand careers. More people are now able to acquire new or upgraded post-secondary skills or knowledge in English, math and science to meet their career goals through Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning Pathways at public post-secondary institutions, including Vancouver Island University (VIU... Read more


Linda Jack picture

Giving Tuesday at VIU Raises Funds for Students in Need

November 4, 2021

VIU’s eighth annual Giving Tuesday campaign runs from November 15 to November 30, 2021. Vancouver Island University (VIU) welcomes learners of all different ages and backgrounds. Sometimes learners need a little extra help to make their educational goals a reality, which is why the University has run a Giving Tuesday campaign for the past eight years. Giving Tuesday is a global movement to give... Read more


VIU Student Recognized for Supporting Community

VIU Student Recognized for Supporting Community

October 20, 2020

Vantaishia Tommy, who recently won a citizenship award for community service and commitment to her studies, is focused on helping animals when she graduates.  DUNCAN, BC: Vantaishia (Taish) Tommy knows exactly where she wants to be when she has finished her educational journey – protecting the rights and habitats of animals of all kinds and sizes around the world.  The Adult Basic Education... Read more


VIU student Eric Evans path to education and journey of healing

Rewriting The Story You Are Born Into

July 10, 2019

We don’t get to choose the life we begin with. Some of us are born into privilege while others are not. One opportunity or disadvantage can vastly change our entire life story. “At the orchard I work at, my boss’s son has dyslexia and his mother fought tirelessly for him to ensure he got the proper supports in school,” says Eric Evans. “I wonder sometimes how my life would be different if I had... Read more


Kerri Gwilt upgrades her courses at VIU in order to pursue her long-term goal of becoming a nurse.

Changing Lives Through Education

July 9, 2019

Vancouver Island University’s Adult Basic Education program is supporting students to pursue their dreams.  “Everyone who is here has struggled at some point and this is our second chance to build a better life,” says Julianne McCullough, Adult Basic Education (ABE) student at Vancouver Island University (VIU).  McCullough is one of many students at VIU’s Cowichan Campus who are rewriting their... Read more


VIU’s Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Certificate Program supports people with disabilities to actualize their business dreams.

VIU Training Program Helps Turn Ideas into Business Start-Ups

May 8, 2019

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) new Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Program (CETP) is supporting people with disabilities to actualize their dreams by giving them the knowledge and tools to start their entrepreneurial journey.  Jolene Trigg, one of first students participating in the first cohort of the CETP, says her disability presented her with an opportunity to create a unique mobile... Read more


For the Love of Rocks: Rebecca Stirling’s Story

October 17, 2018

By Jenn McGarrigle   For many students, the journey starts in VIU’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program. Earth Science alum Rebecca Stirling is one of those students with an incredible story of resilience and determination to share that starts in ABE and leads to an Arctic adventure.   Rebecca Stirling will never forget the day when, lying immobile in a Victoria hospital bed, the nurse dialled... Read more


5 Questions with Gord Buzzard

June 20, 2018

Gord Buzzard, a retiring instructor in the Faculty of Academic and Career Planning, has been passing on his belief in the transformative power of education to his ABE students for the past 35 years. A Malaspina ABE and university transfer student himself (he came here initially intending to study accounting), Gord has the honour of carrying the mace during Friday’s Convocation ceremony – a... Read more


From Homeless to Helping Others: VIU Cowichan Student April Murphy's Story

February 23, 2018

An Adult Basic Education student, Murphy overcame multiple barriers to succeed  April Murphy has battled illiteracy, homelessness, and addiction and mental health challenges. Now the 33-year-old Vancouver Island University (VIU) Cowichan Adult Basic Education (ABE) student is well on her way to getting her high school diploma, after which she plans to enter the Community Mental Health Worker... Read more