September 19, 2006 Source: :
http://www.mala.ca/media/release.asp?ID=943 Building a better future for children starts at Cowichan campus Since her own childhood, children have been an important part of Jaime Martin’s life. Growing up in Prince Rupert, she had three siblings and crowds of cousins at family gatherings. As a mother of two boys, she worked in daycare centres. "I’ve had experience working with children and being around families with a lot of children," she said. But to boost her career, she needed education. She found what she wanted in the First Nations Child and Youth Care diploma program at the Cowichan campus, Malaspina University-College. To attend, she and her construction-worker husband moved their family from Prince Rupert to the Cowichan Valley, where she is now in her second year at Malaspina. "We look at a lot of cultural teachings," she said. The course includes classes with First Nations’ elders, who share their accrued experience and history. "This prepares us to work more successfully within First Nations’ communities," she said. Many communities are still recovering from the disruption caused by the residential school system, which required mandatory attendance in residential schools for two generations. In addition to covering childhood development and the unique requirements of First Nations’ families, Martin said the program teaches communication skills and the importance of caring for herself before she can help others. Her own experience makes her a role model for teen mothers. Only 17 when her first son was born, she left school without graduating. A second son and string of minimum-wage jobs followed. "I eventually decided this was not for me. I didn’t want to have to struggle," Martin recalled. First, she completed Grade 12, which qualified her for daycare jobs. Wanting more, she enrolled at Malaspina. Now she is considering additional education, since her diploma will give her the first two years towards a four-year degree in Child and Youth Care. "A degree would give me a better opportunity, job-wise," she said. A diploma gives her the credentials for private agency positions; a degree gives her the credentials for government posts. Either option allows her to build a better future for many children, her own and others. For those seeking a career working with First Nations children and families, Cowichan campus will accept applications starting in November 2006 for the September 2007 program. -30- For more information contact: Toni O'Keeffe, Director of Communications & Public Relations. Phone (250) 740-6341; FAX (250) 740-6474; E-mail okeeffet@mala.bc.ca
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