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• What our students have to say...

• Adult Ed Student Handbook 2007-2008

Adult and Community Education - Testimonial

Story by Beverley Roach, Graphic Staff

When Fred Ward quit school in grade eight he was considered to be lucky that he'd gotten as much education as he did. In the late 50's grade eight was, for a lot of young men in the Maritimes, regarded as 'good enough'. And as Mr Ward discovered in the years since then, it was good enough to get him just about any job he wanted, but only to a certain point. "I could quit a job one day and have a new one the next day," said the 61-year-old St Catherine's man, "but I could never advance my position, I could go so far and that was it."

Mr Ward, who is originally from Nova Scotia and spent many years in Ontario, moved to PEI with his wife, Val, a few years ago. Over the years he worked as a brakeman on the railroad or as a cook in a camp. When he moved to PEI he continued to work in numerous labor intensive jobs - digging potatoes, a plumber or carpenter's assistant, driving a truck or more recently, on the highway.

"Eighteen months ago we got word at work that in order to keep our jobs we needed grade 12," he said. "Me and a couple of other fellas decided to go back to school and get our GED's. What a thought that was, a real challenge."

Mr Ward said he would never have made it through the first few days at Souris' Adult Education program if it hadn't been for his two co-workers who had started the program a week earlier than he did.

"It was quite a challenge to go up those stairs the first time I tell you, I was really nervous about that, but I made it and the women here made the rest easy for me," Mr Ward said. "I thought I'd be teased or put down because I was older, but the instructors were great. They treat everyone the same and really make it easy to come here."

Mr Ward's co-workers made it through the system and have already acquired their GED's but that doesn't phase him in the least.

"I haven't passed all the tests yet, but I'm looking forward to coming back in October when the classes start up again," he said. "You need 45 to pass and I've gotten 42's and 43's so I know a 45 is not far away. I tell the boys at the coffee shop that I'm an inch away from passing."

The Adult Education program is geared towards individual learning and anyone can start at any level, from a minimum of educational training to high school. Some people come to the Holland College Centre in Souris or Morell to hone their skills to go to university, Autoskills instructor Eileen White said.

"People come in with little or no education or a lot, and they all want the same thing, a non-threatening environment in which to learn so they can get their GED's and go on to college or university.

Mr Ward said he jokes about going to university, but he's not sure what he'll do after he acquires his GED's in January.

"I started this because I needed it for work, but now I'm doing it just for me. I feel great about what I've been able to accomplish so far and I'd encourage anyone to come in and try it," he said. "People shouldn't be ashamed to go back to school, especially if they have 10 or 12 years of work left, you'd be surprised how much you can improve your life and your work when you come here. I'd recommend it to anyone."

For more information contact: Sandi White (902) 629-4253