School Programs Shutdown

I read with interest this writer's view, however there is another side to the sad story of young people taking to the streets. A while ago when Christy Clark was Education Minister she cut it back so severely that various programs had to be abandoned.

Directly through her actions, one of the best programs for High School drop-out returnees, was axed (supposedly lack of funds) namely the Alternate Ed Program at Rutland Sr. School, in Kelowna. I believe there were 90 students in three classes, and through this program many students were guided expertly to high school graduation. This goal would not have been attained in the regular system. I know for a fact that the teachers in this program received letters from very grateful students and parents who never thought they would see their child graduate high school.

Now these students are destined to be filtered into the regular classes, (or drop out once again). This will not work. They have been down that route and failed. It is a disgrace. So much money is wasted in this badly run Province. This program is of value and gives an incentive to succeed to a young person who really wants to succeed, but cannot cope in a regular school classroom situation.

As a footnote, I saw a report on TV that Ms Clark has struck again, by closing down the small Art Centre for street people in Vancouver. She obviously does not care for the poor and needy. Let's hope she is spared from misfortune, or maybe it would be an "education" for her.

-M.M.