Month: May 2011

On May 9^th and 10^th, eMentoring visited a number of schools attended by Adam’s Lake Band students in Salmon Arm and Chase.  There was also an information session for Adam’s Lake Band Community Members to discuss the question, “What is eMentoring?” 

Over the two day visit, the eMentoring team travelled to Shuswap Middle School, Salmon Arm Secondary  School (SASS-Jackson Campus), Chief Atahm Immersion School, Haldane School, and Chase Secondary School  to speak with the schools’ respective Vice Principals and Principals.  The team talked about what eMentoring is and the Principals and Vice Principals talked about which students might be a good fit, and how the schools can help support their students through teacher awareness and computer lab access. 

Despite a number of softball and soccer games going on in the community, the information session saw excellent turn-out and participation of Parents, Students, and School District Administrators.  With snacks and juice in hand, the future eMentoring Mentees talked about their favorite subjects and what they would like to be when they grow up, while parents asked about how the program worked and the benefit it would have to their children and community.  At the end of the session a ‘Talking Rock’ was passed around and the session was concluded with everyone’s observant and enthusiastic closing remarks.

It was a real treat to visit with the Adam’s Lake Community and we’ll see you online in September!

On Thursday May 5^th, the eMentoring team held a Mentor Curriculum Training feedback session at the Xwi7xwa Library. Ten representatives from various areas such as the Urban Native Youth Association, UBC Institute of Aboriginal Health, School District 36 (Surrey), and First Nations House of Learning had the opportunity to attend and provide feedback on the training curriculum that will be used to prepare participants in their upcoming roles as mentors in the eMentoring program.  Participants engaged in thoughtful and in-depth discussions and several key themes were addressed. A sample of the topics discussed included: school culture, mentee selection, mentor training and support, cultural competence, modes of communication and best practices in mentoring.

Overall, this was a great session that brought together participants with expertise in different areas relevant to Aboriginal education. Special thanks to everyone who attended!