Leanne McDonald: Furthering Indigenous Youth's Education
Connecting with our Aboriginal youth is the key to improving student's success rates
SPENCER MAICHIN
Teachers at work, inside Frank Hurt's Aboriginal Enhancement Youth Care Center - Located in Surrey, BC.
Photo Taken By: Valerie Leung.
Leanne McDonald has been an Aboriginal Enhancement Youth-Care Worker for the past four years. She is based out of Frank Hurt Secondary School in Surrey, BC, but works with Aboriginal students all across the district. I was fortunate enough to sit down with her to explore her process in helping out high school Indigenous students. She takes pride in connecting with the student's families, as well as making sure the kids are well fed in order to learn at the highest level possible. The following audio clip shares Leanne's story in greater detail, and demonstrates the benefit of lending a helping hand to our local Aboriginal youth.
Once a year, the teachers take the students on a Kayaking retreat trip, so they can learn and bond with one another outside of a school setting.
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Photo Taken by: Valerie Leung.
A hand crafted blanket on display in the art section of the classroom.
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Photo Taken by: Valerie Leung.
Students come in to the Aboriginal Enhancement Youth Care Center in between classes in order to stock up in some snacks and beverages.
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Photo Taken By: Valerie Leung.
A Beautifully woven cloth blanket, woven together by the Aboriginal students. McDonald and the staff host an arts and craft class for the students every Wednesday after school.
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Photo taken by: Valerie Leung.