Learner Stories

In the beginning of 2025, I had just moved back to New Brunswick after living on my own in Fort McMurray. When I moved back home with my mom, she suggested I check out the Learning Exchange. I had never heard of it before. I wasn’t going through the best of times when I met with Leah, the Program Coordinator. I had nothing to do all day and knew that I wanted to finish high school, but I didn’t know how to do that. The thought of doing the CAEC felt really overwhelming.

At just 17 years old, Taya knew exactly what he wanted: to work. While finishing his high school diploma, he was already thinking ahead, focused on building a future for himself. College did not feel like an option due to financial barriers, but that did not stop him from setting a clear goal. He wanted to enter the workforce and start building his independence. When a guest speaker from SJLE, Youth Workforce Coach Kassandra Goudreau, visited his learning site, Taya listened closely. After the presentation, he made the decision that would shape his path. He took her card and reached out. From there, Taya got to work. He took the steps needed to prepare himself for employment with support from Kassandra; securing key documents, opening a bank account, and building a resume and cover letter. In Taya’s words, she helped with “everything that a parent should do.” Along the way, he leaned into the support when needed, but it was his initiative and follow-through that kept things moving forward. “Having her (Kassandra) believe in me felt good,” Taya shared, “I never had someone believe in me like her.” That belief helped reinforce what Taya was already starting to see in himself. Soon, an opportunity emerged through SJLE’s partnership with the Insulators Union: a 12-week pre-apprenticeship training program designed to prepare participants for direct entry into the trades. After hearing about this, Taya did not hesitate. He attended the information session, learned everything he could, and committed himself to the process. Determined to make it happen, Taya earned his spot in the 12-week pre-apprenticeship training program. He showed up, put in the work, and completed the program, building both skills and confidence along the way. Today, more than six months later, Taya is part of the Heat & Frost Insulators Union 131. He now has his drivers license and bought his very own car! He continues to set goals for himself and take steps forward, including earning his driver’s license. Each step reflects his commitment to building a strong, independent future.

I did the Power Up program 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. 

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.’ 

Michelle talks about how she overcame challenges in her life with the support of women's empowerment programs.

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.

Rasha talks about how participating in women's empowerment programs helped her build a network and share her culture.

Listen to Shawnee Sue share her journey and what she learned from participating in women's empowerment programming.

I first became aware of the Learning Exchange through the UYES! (Urban Youth Employment/Education Services) program. Everyone there was so supportive and understanding. The atmosphere was welcoming and I didn’t feel the daily pressure I felt in traditional high school.

When I came to the Learning Exchange, I knew I was looking for something different. I had experienced the traditional path – creating a resume, then reworking it, sending it around and was getting no response. I had come from a high-paying job in Nova Scotia and had a lot of experience but the feedback I was getting was that I was overqualified – or seemed to be. Someone had recommended the Learning Exchange and I made the call. 

Natusha discusses what she learned in women's empowerment programs and how she is sharing that knowledge with her children.

Dawn discusses how women's empowerment programs helped her overcome feelings of isolation and connect with other women in her community.

Edris talks about her journey from income assistance to having a job and how women's empowerment programs supported her in learning about herself and feeling connected to her community.

Lynda talks about how taking women's empowerment programs helped her overcome obstacles and build a network and a support system.

Sam discusses how she overcame barriers with the support she received in women's empowerment programming.

About a year ago, I was referred to the Power Up program by Social Development. My favorite part was the expectation that we were responsible to be there. I treated it like a job. I got up in the morning, got my coffee ready and went. One of the topics that really stuck with me was on joy. I had not considered the idea that you could be happy for the sake of being happy. I wanted to find my happiness. Since then, I have taken WEN’s Self-Esteem course. This came at the perfect time in my life because I had just left an abusive relationship. The support of everyone there kept me going. I got my power back. I am currently taking the Stress Management course. I’ve become even more involved in the Learning Exchange. I graduated from WESLinks before Christmas and am now enrolled in WorkLinks. My son and I are planning to host a cultural workshop and talking circle so the learners can discover more about First Nations. I’m excited to give back. When you walk into the building, you feel like you are coming home. Everyone there is working together to help you. You put your mind to it, you commit, and you will get what you want out of the programs.

Listen to Wanda talk about discovering her true potential through her participation in women’s empowerment programs.