Marconi grads look forward to helping their community
In the midst of hundreds of students preparing to graduate from NSCC Marconi Campus at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, there were six students from Eskasoni who already have plans to use their careers to help their community.
As part of the customized learning section of the continuing care program at NSCC that was supported by the community of Eskasoni, the six students who received their diplomas are planning to stay on the island and work in Eskasoni.
Eventually, they will be offered positions at a new longterm care facility that’s planned for Eskasoni.
Mary Ann Paul is one of the students who was enrolled in section.
She said she was thrilled with being able to be a part of the program and the future new facility.
“It feels really awesome. It’s really cool they’re going to open (a long-term care facility) up. People in the community can stay without having to leave.”
Paul’s classmate, Blaire Francis, shared a similar point of view.
“I’m excited, I want to get my career started so I can help out my community.”
In the customized learning section of the continuing care program offered at Marconi Campus, the college works with a broad array of private and public sector clients, including First Nations, government and the oil and gas industry to provide effective hands-on training.
The continuing care class that graduated on Friday is a part of a much bigger plan to grow the community of Eskasoni to take care of their own by building a long-term care facility there.
The general manager of Eskasoni Corporate Services, Steve Parsons, has been working with the community and NSCC since the beginning of the project four years ago. He said the group realized very early the facility was needed.
“A lot of elders over the years went to non-native long-term care facilities and there were some opportunities in terms of language, culture and traditions that were not being met,” said Parsons.
Because the students share the same culture, traditions and language, they’re the perfect fit for the new facility. Paul said she looks forward to working in Eskasoni.
“I want to work in home care in my community, so I hope that goes well. If they open a home in the future I’m hoping to work there so I can stay in my community and help the elders,” said Paul.
Until the facility is built in Eskasoni, the students are still giving back to their community. Half of the class is already employed; Paul and Francis both were hired as casual workers in Eskasoni. Blaire Francis’ twin sister, Brooke Francis, was also hired recently.
Blaire Francis also graduated from her program with honours along with her classmate Jessica Nicholas. Nicholas also received a student excellence award.
Continuing care instructor Sherry Addicott said it wouldn’t be long until all of these students were working in their chosen field.
“I think these student’s will probably be employed by the end of the month, I’d say.” she added, “There is a need for them.”