Teachers across the province hope to see more registration in adult basic education and English courses now that the NDP government has cancelled tuition fees.
In 2015, the Liberal government imposed fees on courses for adult basic education (ABE) and English language learning (ELL), with amounts set by individual institutions up to $1,600 per semester.
On the Coast, SPIDER (Students Participating In Distance Education Resources) Secondary School teacher Nick Gaskin said the imposition of fees impacted ABE registration in his program.
The SPIDER program charged $550 per ABE course and saw students who were interested change their mind when they discovered the cost.
“It really kept people away and it just put this barrier in place for students who finally made up their minds to go back to post secondary,” Gaskin said, noting many students take ABE courses to upgrade their schooling in order to qualify for post-secondary programs.
He’s excited about the NDP government’s move to eliminate tuition fees and hopes the community takes advantage of the free schooling once again being offered on the Coast.
“I just want to get the word out there,” he said.
Students can view courses available through SPIDER and sign up online at www.sd46online.ca.
ABE and ELL programs are also available through Capilano University at www.capilanou.ca/sunshine.
Premier John Horgan announced the elimination of tuition fees on ABE and ELL programs on Aug. 8.
“We’re committed to making it easier for British Columbians to get ahead,” Horgan said during the announcement.
“By eliminating these fees, we’re tearing down the roadblocks to the basic education and skills people need to improve their lives. The action we’re taking today gives hope and help to people throughout the province and is a long-term investment in B.C.’s economy.”
Education Minister Rob Fleming applauded the move. “The numbers told the story – tuition fees on ABE and ELL programs shut people out,” he said.
“Now any British Columbian can go back to school, free of charge, upgrade their skills and build a better life for themselves and their families.”
