SAIL hosts first graduation ceremony

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Adult Inclusive Learning Program (SAIL) celebrated their graduating students for the 2023-24 educational year with a ceremony, July 26, hosted at the Strathmore Municipal Library.

“We have programs that support adult learners, so these are learners who are outside of high school, maybe they have passed the age 20 limit to try and go back to normal high school to get their diploma,” said Diana Rose, special projects coordinator with SAIL. “We support them with foundational skills such as math, English, digital skills. We do English as a second language; we do all of those things and we support them in getting the foundational pieces in place so they can take the exams for what used to be called the GED (General Education Development) but now the name of it is CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential).”

Rose explained there are five CAEC exams a student takes, which SAIL helps them to prepare for. Upon passing, the student is awarded a diploma equivalent to that of a high school graduate. 

Programs such as those which SAIL offers are to give another opportunity to those who for whichever reason were not able to previously complete their high school education. 

“We really come alongside our students and help discover what their goals are and then coach and support and encourage them,” said Rose. “We really are very student-led, so it really depends on what the goal of the student is, and how we navigate what kinds of studies they might need in order to achieve those goals.”

The ceremony hosted July 26 is the first such event SAIL has hosted for their students in Strathmore, with three graduates being recognized for their achievements in person. 

Ultimately, the goal will be to continue hosting the program and making graduation ceremonies an annual event for SAIL students. 

“Some of the students maybe did not get to experience a graduation in high school with all of their peers for whatever reason. I feel it is even more profound of a celebration because they had to come back, revisit that, and work so hard to juggle all of their life things that are going on now, as well as attain this higher credential,” said Rose. “It is intensive work and they are diligent, they come faithfully, and it is a pretty good celebration.”

Student education through SAIL is largely self-directed, with tutors able to be assigned in areas where a student may be struggling. The programs are designed around the students in order to best fit their needs and fill gaps where they may need specific help. 

More information about SAIL is available online, as well as in person at the Strathmore Municipal Library for anyone who is potentially interested in continuing their education.