The Basic Foundations for a Culture of Schooling
Poverty is a persistent problem responsible for poor attendance of students from poor socio-economic backgrounds. Prince Albert has shown to be an area having a significant proportion of the population categorized as ‘poor’, lacking the basic needs of suitable housing and food. Housing and food are basic needs and the failure to meet these needs are breeding grounds for addictions, abuse, crime, poor health, and low levels of education. What ensues is a vicious cycle of striving to survive.
A common thread that runs through discussions at Community Coalition meetings and staff meetings is how to reduce poverty and keep students in educational programs. The issue of poverty is serious enough to be addressed at the provincial level in the latest attempt at a ‘Poverty Reduction Strategy.’
Students in the school system and adults in upgrading programs face the dilemma of concurrently juggling uplifting themselves through education and trying to survive. There are many issues that can spiral into a labyrinth of poverty that people find themselves in that gravely affect their chances of success even through education. A large number of people are living in sub-standard housing conditions infested by black mold that in turn pose health problems.
Many live in overcrowded conditions to accommodate family and friends who would otherwise be homeless. Many people couch surf and even sleep outdoors in warmer temperatures. In addition, there isn’t enough money for food to sustain families from month to month. Many students go hungry during the day as they sit through their lessons.