On March 22, the Innu Council of Pessamit and the First Nations Adult Education School Board officially opened the new Regional Center for Adult Education (CREA) in Pessamit.
A new building offering beautiful and large premises for each of the classes, this is what Pessamit can offer today to the community for adult education.
Previously, courses for adults were given in a band council establishment. A few classes were offered, but the need for an adapted space was crying out.
“Through the regional center component, we expected to provide professional training and the band council was looking for funding to have a real building where the CREA would be installed,” explains Marie-Josée Simard from the outset. , director of CREA.
“Through that, there was the political will of the band council to take charge of adult education. So there have been discussions with the First Nations School Board in adult education,” she continues.
The steps led to the purchase of a building erected in Pessamit in 2022 and today 100% functional.
By and for Pessamit
“The greatest pride we have here is that all the staff come from the community,” says Ms. Simard, adding that only the math teacher comes from outside the region.
“Our students can express themselves in the Innu language and have explanations in the Innu language. It really is a center for them. We want to meet the needs of the community with each training,” adds the director.
The latter feels privileged to work with her teachers, considering the difficulties of hiring in education. “My concern, when I got the job, was the teaching staff. Who could come work with us? My biggest wish was to have people from the community,” she says.
Her wish inevitably came true, as she now has a full team. The director also wishes to highlight the work done in collaboration with the Center de services scolaire de l’Estuaire to offer courses to students in the community in the past.
Multiple vocations
The new CRÉA establishment provides students with an environment adapted to the needs and more spacious. Several courses are offered, including general adult education and vocational training, in addition to Innu language courses.
There is also a section reserved for students in social integration and a training course for early childhood educators will soon be introduced.
“There are still training courses that I cannot give right away, since we have just moved in. But with our needs, like at daycare, it’s accessible and we can offer our training to meet those needs,” says Marie-Josée Simard.
