November 13, 2007 - 5:27am
Tanya Griffiths avoided science when she attended Chemainus Secondary School. Today, she's a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Calgary and an expert in human bacteria.
Jason Devlin dropped out of grade 8 in Powell River and became addicted to drugs. He changed his life and is now a first-year medical student at the University of Toronto.
What do Griffiths and Devlin have in common? They upgraded their education through Malaspina University-College's Adult Basic Education (ABE) program at the Cowichan and Powell River campuses respectively, and earned undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology from Malaspina in Nanaimo.
"Success stories like these aren't uncommon," said Tony Bellavia, Malaspina's Director of Career and Academic Preparation. "Malaspina's ABE program helps adult learners return to school and launch new careers. We've helped thousands of students get their lives on track. ABE is about giving students opportunities, encouragement and support to help them realize their true potential."
Support for ABE students will soon get even better. Starting January 2008, students will have access to free adult basic education courses at all Malaspina campuses. "This is great news for people who are thinking about going back to school," said Bellavia, "especially people on limited incomes. Free ABE courses, including English, math, computers and science, will be accessible to everyone."
The provincial government announced in September that fees for adult basic education courses will be eliminated at 18 post-secondary institutions across BC by January 1. Steve Beasley, Executive Director of the Malaspina Students' Union (MSU) said the decision is a "huge victory for students."
ABE was free in 1997, Beasley said, but post-secondary institutions were allowed to charge fees for ABE courses beginning in 2002.
"Malaspina should be commended for keeping ABE costs down to only $50 per course," Beasley added, "but some institutions charged exorbitant fees, in some cases up to $500 for math 11. The Malaspina Students' Union, through the Canadian Federation of Students, participated in a province-wide campaign to get ABE course fees eliminated. We made presentations to the Standing Committee on Government Finance and Service, participated in Campus 2020 consultations, and met with MLAs. It's great to see that our lobbying efforts paid off and adult learners will benefit."
Bellavia agreed that the government's change in policy is a tribute to the hard work and lobbying efforts of students "and their fundamental belief that adult basic education should be accessible to everyone."
ABE courses are offered at all four Malaspina University-College campuses. Over 3,500 adult learners in Parksville/Qualicum and another 10,000 in Nanaimo have successfully completed ABE since 1997. Applications are now being accepted for courses starting in January.
For further information call (250) 740-6425 in Nanaimo, (250) 248-2096 in Parksville, (250) 746-3500 in Duncan, or (604) 485-2878 in Powell River.
Tags: In the Community
