s i m o n f r a s e r u n i v e r s i t y > Co n t i n u i n g st u d i e s > i n t h e co m mu n i t y
SFU Continuing Studies offers much more than courses. We are also involved in a number of exciting initiatives in our backyard and around the world that effect positive change in our city, our country and our world. Here’s a select look at what we’ve been doing. For a complete list of programs and initiatives, visit www.sfu.ca/cstudies.
Exploring Olympic controversies
Dexter Anaskon and Amy-Lynne Cheena are enrolled in the Aboriginal University Prep Program.
Helping Aboriginal students
Pieter de Vos
Aboriginal students will soon find it easier and more convenient to access higher education through two new SFU initiatives, spearheaded by Continuing Studies’ Community Education Programs. The first builds on the Aboriginal University Prep Program and the Preparing for Health Careers: Aboriginal Pre-Health Program, which teach university-level skills in reading, writing and mathematics. Aboriginal students who complete either program will now earn university credit and
A new educational website explores the dilemma faced by Canadian athletes and politicians as they wrestled with the question of whether to participate in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, a watershed in the rise of Nazi Germany. Developed by Continuing Studies’ 7th Floor Media in partnership with the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC), the website is based on a powerful exhibit currently on view at VHEC. Original interviews and historical documents bring Canada’s first serious encounter with Hitler’s totalitarian regime to life for students and teachers of Canadian history. “In addition to telling some compelling and little-known Canadian stories, the website encourages critical thinking about Canada’s past,” says Noni Maté, director of 7th Floor Media. Visit www.7thfloormedia.com to read more about this and other projects.
gain conditional acceptance to SFU’s degree programs. The second initiative, Stepping Stones, will develop a new online model for delivering literacy and academic skills for success in post-secondary education to Aboriginal learners in rural communities. Both programs are important steps in implementing SFU’s First Nations strategic plan, which aims to recruit and retain more Aboriginal students. Learn more at www.sfu.ca/community.
Literacy Lives to help socially excluded
Continuing Studies is launching a two-year project to improve the literacy and essential skills of adults living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Literacy Lives will take a grassroots approach, integrating literacy and skills training into information materials on HIV/AIDS . It’s hoped that the project, funded by a $765,000 grant from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, will ultimately increase employment opportunities and promote community well-being. Read more about the Literacy Lives project at www.sfu.ca/community. 7