The Learning Exchange is committed to empowering youth and adults in Saint John to reach their education and employment goals. For over 35 years, the Learning Exchange has pioneered innovative programs that meet the needs of the community by providing an alternative and progressive environment focused on individualized learning, employment, and personal development plans that meet the unique needs of everyone who walks through our doors.
I did the Power Up program at the Women’s Empowerment Network in 2015. I was just starting out on a journey to know what abilities I had. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it. Power Up definitely helped with my confidence and I met several people who would be part of my life in the days to come, helping me become the best person I can be.
I heard about the Learning Exchange from my case worker at the Teen Resource Centre. She suggested I check it out and see if the programs might be helpful for me. I wanted to finish high school, so I met with someone at the Learning Exchange and they told me about the G.O.A.L.S. program. It was interesting to me because it was different from the schools I had gone to before.
My sister was going to the Learning Exchange to work in her GED and was always talking about how great everyone was there and how friendly it was. I reached out to them because I wanted to try to complete my GED as well.
I didn’t finish high school but worked for three years until 2016. I was laid off unexpectedly, but decided to look at it positively. I thought, ‘This is my chance. I have to do something.’