A cross-section from area communities responded to Southeast College's invitation for input in shaping the school's direction for the next five years.
Carlyle is one of six communities in which Southeast College conducted open focus groups, asking residents how the educational institution can best serve students in rural areas. The Carlyle consultation took place Thursday, Nov. 23 at the Ramada Inn.
“We're calling for community involvement in shaping our strategic plan for the next five years,” says the college's President and CEO, Dion McGrath. “On June 30 (2018), our current strategic plan ends and Carlyle is one of six communities where we are holding meetings like this, so we can best serve our students. The others are Assiniboia, Indian Head, Weyburn, Moosomin and Estevan.”
Southeast College specializes in providing “learn where you live” education and training opportunities to southeast Saskatchewan communities and aims to be flexible and responsive to the needs of rural students - many of whom are unable to relocate to Regina or Saskatoon to further their education.
“I think Southeast College provides high value providing access to education to people who live locally,” says board member Ray Boutin.
Peer counsellor Myrna Shaw agrees. Shaw works with high school students throughout this part of the province and says that Southeast's local and/or distance education options potentially “provide great value to lots of kids. Not everyone is able to move to Regina or Saskatoon to take a course.”
“Fewer kids are going away to school because of the expense,” explains Shaw, adding that whether a student is pursuing a trade or a university degree, being able to study at home and/or work while pursuing post-secondary education is a welcome option for many young people in rural Saskatchewan.
Realtor and parent Tracey Nelson agrees. “It comes down to what families can afford,” she says. “Education can be very expensive, so if a student can stay at home for part of their education, that helps to keep costs down.”
Southeast College also facilitates training and certifications that enable employees in various industries to seek further training within their fields. Nikki Dickie of Weyburn-based Panther Drilling says “The college's instruction in practical work is ideal. We have people who come to ready to work with all of their certifications and tickets.”
The concerns of retirees also emerged during the discussion. George Anderson - representing the Carlyle Lions - said retirees often seek a second career, while retiree and “lifelong learner” Linda Aalbers of Manor added: “Just because you get that little brown envelope in the mail doesn't mean you stop learning.”
Richard Krebiel of Kisbey stated that the college's offerings could potentially fill gaps in two areas - that of providing training for young people seeking to replace retiring tradespeople such as plumbers, carpenters and electricians - as well as providing education in emerging areas of study, such as solar technologies and First Nations issues.
Southeast College provides in-person and online classes which include: industry and safety training, adult education (including GED testing and courses), post-secondary courses, English language training and a variety of continung education courses.
Individuals, businesses and organizations can also make a tax-deductible donation to the college, which will help fund scholarships and bursaries to deserving students.
“This consulation is a prudent use of our public funds,” says Boutin. “Southeast College coming out to our communities and seeking the opinions of the people who will use what is in effect, our local campus, shows that they are in touch with what students in our area want and need.”
“I'd like to thank all of our community members who came out today.”
For more information on studying with Southeast College or making a tax-deductible contibution, visit: www.southeastcollege.org .
