Aboriginal community support worker program information session today
Working as a cashier for the Nk’Mip Gas and Convenience Store in Oliver, Alice George met people she desperately wanted to help. Unable to do so at her job, George and her husband decided to go back to school.
After her husband, Edward, finished a six-month course, George was drawn to the Aboriginal community support worker program at Okanagan College.
The program prepares students to step into community support work assisting Indigenous individuals and families, both on and off reserve. It includes both coursework and a 70-hour practicum.
“The program gave me a better understanding of Indigenous history and current issues facing Indigenous communities today,” says George. “If you’re willing to dig deeper and become self-aware of your own biases and values, you can really build on your professional skills. That is when the work becomes more interesting.”
Okanagan College is offering an information session at 10 a.m. today in Room E105 at the Vernon campus at 7000 College Way. The session will provide people with the opportunity to learn more about the program, ask questions and find out about financial support options.
“This program was the product of extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities throughout the Interior of B.C. as well as a number of community entities that serve Indigenous peoples in the region,” said Dennis Silvestrone, Okanagan College’s director of continuing studies and corporate training. “The growing need for social and community support workers with a deeper knowledge of the specific challenges facing Indigenous individuals and families prompted us to respond to this training need.”