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Manitoba Nonprofit Helps Adults Return to School

Manitoba Nonprofit Helps Adults Return to School
Staff and volunteers of The Portage Literacy and Learning Centre (PLLC/PortageOnline)

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre is a Manitoba-based nonprofit that is helping adults across the region return to school, upgrade skills, and prepare for future education or employment.

As more adults are looking to finish high school credits, improve basic skills, or prepare for college or other training, the centre offers programs suited for adults. The centre offers programs like a flexible mature student high school diploma program, as well as upgrading for those who already have a diploma but need certain courses to move ahead.

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre offers small class sizes, one-on-one support, and flexible schedules, making it easier for adults to return to learning while managing work and family life. Math instructor Craig Bennett says many students come in feeling nervous about math, especially if they had a hard time in school before or have been away from learning for a long time. He explains that most people think they are bad at math when really they just haven’t practiced in a while or had a negative experience in the past. Bennett says the centre’s focus is on support, not rushing, so students can learn without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

The centre offers more than just classes, including support in terms of access to subsidized childcare so that parents can focus on learning while knowing their children are well cared for. The centre also helps with employment and settlement support, linking education to future goals.

Source: Christopher Kitchen, PortageOnline