Discovery Community College Helps Build First Nations Communities

Discovery Community College is aiding First Nations communities.

British Columbia’s Discovery Community College is very literally building up local First Nations communities.

Their Mobile Training Program is focused on education in First Nations communities, by having educators teach within communities and cultural settings. This allows local residents to learn a trade in their own community, while working on local buildings and homes.

“It’s like a simple thing that mom and grandma used to say… don’t give me a fish, teach me how to fish so I can have that fish, year after year after year,” said John O Frank Sr., Chief Councillor-Ahousaht Co.

“So that’s what we want from Discovery College. We want them to teach us.”

So far, the program has been extremely successful, with 86% of students sponsored by DCC having successful ITA outcomes, with an average test score of 77% for technical training. The DCC Ahousaht trainees significantly contribute to several community based projects, including 8 new homes.

The ultimate goal is to aid First Nations communities, so they don’t need to contract out to service providers. Education is strengthening their own human potential, while providing jobs for local residents and economic development.

Schools mentioned: Discovery Community College