RETSD Students First in Canada to Participate in Project LIFE

River East Transcona School Division students with additional needs are the first in Canada to participate in Project LIFE, a multi-year transition program that has been replicated in 26 locations across the United States. 

Project LIFE helps students develop skills that will increase their success in finding competitive employment and transitioning to adult independence. It combines classroom and life skill education with authentic work experiences to prepare the students for a self-determined future as confident, capable citizens.

Currently, student interns involved in Project LIFE have work experience placements at the CN Claude Mongeau National Training Centre, Vickar Chevrolet, Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, Sam’s Place, Concordia Village, and the Revive and Thrive Thrift Store.

“We love the program, it’s been really good for the campus,” says Miranda Pachal, manager learning operations at CN. “It’s amazing to see how the individuals develop throughout their time at the campus. By the end of the term, the students need very little supervision and they have gained confidence in their skills. I'm happy we were approached with the opportunity to participate in the program and that I work for an organization that supports initiatives like this.”

Seeing that transportation can often be a barrier, CN utilized available resources to help. The campus bus picks up and drops off students between Murdoch MacKay Collegiate and the CN Claude Mongeau National Training Centre. The life skills they learn from this process will serve as a stepping stone to the independent use of public transit.

“We’re really grateful for the community support,” says Mary LaPage Leclerc, consultant of student services at RETSD. “The students are engaged in meaningful tasks in their workplaces and participating in real-life learning to support their future goals.”

Photo: Project LIFE students (left to right) Dylan Tachynski, Isaac Nuytten, and Andrew Headely.