Premier Robert Ghiz and Robert Maddix, Chair of the Board of Directors of le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É., signed a Memorandum of Understanding today recognizing the college as a publicly-funded post-secondary institution. The agreement will give the college status to grant diplomas. The official signing took place during an open house event held at the French community college’s head offices and learning centre in Wellington.
“We are very excited to recognize le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. as an integral part of PEI’s education system,” said Premier Robert Ghiz. “The college provides the opportunity for Islanders to pursue post-secondary education in the language of their choice, right here at home. Our hope is that the college’s students and graduates will choose to stay on PEI and contribute their considerable talents to our Island economy and community.”
Premier Ghiz and Mr. Maddix were joined by Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Richard Brown who said the agreement will also enhance the college’s curriculum as well as PEI’s educational system. “This is an important addition to post-secondary education offered on PEI,” said Minister Brown. “The college will be in a better position to increase its programming which in turn directly contributes to the development of our workforce.”
“The signing of this agreement marks a very important milestone in the history of post-secondary education in French in PEI and for the Acadian and Francophone community,” said Mr. Maddix. “The agreement officially recognizes the Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. as a post-secondary institution.”
Ms. Raquel Desmarais, a first-year student in the Early Childhood Education Program, said she was extremely proud to represent the student body at the official signing ceremony. “The fact that I could take my chosen program in French, close to home, is not only a career-building opportunity but it also allows me to contribute to my community,” said Ms. Desmarais.
Students attending le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. will be eligible for the new George Coles Bursary and Island Student Award. The Premier said recognizing le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. as a publicly-funded, post-secondary institution is also part of government’s commitment to develop a long-term plan to strengthen the Acadian and Francophone community.
Le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. has been offering post-secondary programs through a variety of partnerships with other educational institutions since 1993. It currently offers five post-secondary college programs, French language training for public service employees and the general public, continuing and adult education, literacy programs, career development and customized training for businesses. In addition to its head offices and learning centre in Wellington, the college has two other learning centres located in DeBlois and Charlottetown.
BACKGROUNDER:
Le Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. is the new business name of La Société éducative de l’Î.-P.-É. The college was first incorporated in 1993. Its mission: the college strives for excellence in its training program delivery and promotes continuing education and knowledge-based learning. In cooperation with its partners, the college contributes to the advancement of economic development and promotes the transition to a knowledge-based economy.
There are five college programs currently being offered: Bilingual Administrative Assistant, Early Childhood Education, Resident Care Worker, Intervention Techniques (children and youth), Intervention Techniques (adults). Programs are delivered on site, via distance education and videoconferencing. The college plans on offering other programs in the near future. You can find the Collège de l’Acadie Î.-P.-É. online at www.collegeacadieipe.ca.