I am from West Africa. I am married and have three children. Two weeks after my arrival to Canada, I started working in a retail store in order to improve my English.  As I am originally from a French speaking country my English level was low. I worked in retail for three years. I found that I was able to adapt quickly and efficiently to the Canadian culture and to many different working environments. My strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude have enabled me to integrate with my colleagues and customers and develop valuable friendships. I have become an effective communicator who learns by asking questions.

After the birth of my second child, I stayed at home for six years and received English instruction from my husband, an English teacher. I decided that I needed to go back to school in order to resume my career in the teaching field, rather than just drifting from one minimum wage job to another. With the help of EDGE Career, an Employment Assistance Service, and Employment Manitoba I decided to take the full time Educational Assistant Diploma Program at the University of Winnipeg. I successfully completed the program in February 2013. This was a wonderful opportunity and I came away with a great deal of new knowledge.  I was fortunate enough to gain employment immediately in Winnipeg School Division.

Presently I am working every day at two schools and enjoying it very much. My future plan is to further my education and become a teacher as I was in my home country.

Faith Kamara
Educational Assistant
Winnipeg School Division

Just as staff at PACE supported her efforts to learning, Victoire is helping kids of every ability to flourish in school.

Victoire is working in her chosen career as an educational assistant after graduating from PACE in February 2014. Prior to enrolling she was working as a child care assistant in a daycare, but she had her eye on something more. Victoire’s sister told her about PACE’s full-time Educational Assistant Diploma. Originally from Ivory Coast, Victoire hesitated initially because of her developing English skills. With her sister’s encouragement she took courses to enhance her English, and was eventually accepted into the PACE program which left her feeling as nervous as she was excited.

Victoire says, thanks to the support she received from PACE’s staff and instructors, her nervousness quickly disappeared. With help she gained trust in herself, became comfortable studying hard, and eventually obtained her current educational assistant position with the Winnipeg School Division.

Victoire says she would recommend this program because it equipped her with knowledge of the many different challenges children face in school and with the skills to help them realize their full potential.

Victoire Digbe
Educational Assistant
Seven Oaks School Division

After working as a pharmacy technician for 22 years, I was faced with having to leave my job due to repetitive motion injuries I sustained at work.  At the age of 49, I was extremely scared. I knew I would need to go back to school, but what could I do at my age?

I always wanted to be a teacher but I couldn’t go back to school for 5 years due to lack of finances. That’s when I decided to take the full time Educational Assistant course at the University of Winnipeg, PACE.

I had real mixed feelings about going back to school as I hadn’t attended school for many years. Could I study? Could I retain information and actually learn? I quickly learned that I could do all of those things!

The material was so interesting and the instructors were so engaging that the retaining and learning just came naturally. I loved all of the courses and it was really great to be taught about all the diverse ways students learn. The instructor’s way of teaching was an interesting combination of lectures, videos, games and presentations. They were always available to help if needed and encouraged everyone along the way. I am now employed as a part-time educational assistant in the Pembina Trails School Division and on my days off, I work on a casual basis in the Seven Oaks School Division.

Choosing this as my second career was an excellent choice for me. I am so glad that I took the training I needed to get to where I am today. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in becoming an educational assistant. I absolutely LOVE my job!

Angie Chabot
Educational Assistant
Seven Oaks School Division

I graduated from the Educational Assistant Diploma Program in 2011. Prior to doing this I worked in retail for ten years. I wasn’t satisfied with this profession, but I was fearful of doing something different. I wanted to do the program for over ten years, but never worked up the courage to actually do it. When I finally enrolled and was accepted, I was excited but still a little apprehensive. After all, it had been over fifteen years since I had graduated from high school. My experience in school hadn’t been ideal and I had come away with negative feelings about my abilities and my learning.

While I was in the Educational Assistant program, my eyes were opened to the wide range of learning disorders and needs that plague children these days. I had faced so many challenges as a child and felt that I would be able to relate and be able to assist children in my new role as an EA. During the program, I also gained confidence in my learning abilities. I realized that there are many different ways to learn. The instructors and staff in this program were extremely helpful. They provided assistance wherever needed, and did their best to ensure that we were successful in our studies. This positive experience whetted my appetite for learning. I plan to further my studies and have applied to the Faculty of Education. I am currently employed as a casual EA, working daily in the Seven Oaks School Division. I am really enjoying the experience and wish that I had done this a lot sooner.

Shonette Babb
Educational Assistant
Seven Oaks School Division