An initiative to fight against school dropout has been spreading to the four corners of Quebec since the start of the school year. By the end of the school year, more than 3,100 young Quebecers will benefit from this unique approach, which first proved its worth in English Canada.
In the collective kitchen of the YMCA Saint-Roch, young people prepare in a good mood a recipe that will make them happy: a poutine.
Exaucée Mbilizi, 16, loves these cooking workshops. This student from Vanier School in Quebec City is also one of the first to register for the Passport to my success program, offered by the YMCA for more than two years.
Of Congolese origin, Exaucée’s family moved to Quebec City in the middle of winter, in January 2020. This support program made all the difference in her new life.
“It changed everything for me”
“It changed everything for me. At first, when we arrived in Quebec, it wasn’t easy. We had to make do, find winter clothes and everything. The program helped me on the family side, it helped me personally and it also helps me a lot at school,” says Exaucée, her eyes shining.
Her enthusiasm has been contagious as her sister and two brothers are now participating in the program.
It is an approach based on four types of support (see down there). “We accompany the young person where he is experiencing difficulties,” summarizes Olivier Martin, director of family and community support at the YMCA Saint-Roch.
“We really represent a safe environment for many young people,” adds Évelyne Quimper, coordinator of youth programs for academic success. “It allows them to bond with an adult they trust. […]. We have some who are here five nights a week,” she said.
Fifteen regions of Quebec
This unique initiative began over 20 years ago in Regent Park, a very disadvantaged neighborhood in Toronto. Since then, the program has been extended to all Canadian provinces.
In Quebec, it has now been offered in fifteen regions since the start of the school year, thanks to financial support from the Ministry of Education.
This program was selected “for the quality of its intervention with students from underprivileged backgrounds, for its contribution to increasing the graduation rate of vulnerable students as well as to increasing the enrollment of this clientele in education. higher,” the ministry said.
What is the Passport to Success program?
This initiative is based on four forms of support:
SCHOOL
Learn to learn
- Presence of tutors and volunteers after school to help students in their learning
INDIVIDUAL
Achieve personal goals
- Accompaniment of each young person by a youth worker
SOCIAL
To find one’s way
- Varied activities that allow you to discover new interests and explore careers
FINANCIAL
Fill the gap
- Bursary for post-secondary training and financial assistance offered as needed (e.g. school meal vouchers, public transportation)