Hooked on School Days spotlight classroom challenges and solutions in Estrie
By Daniel Kirchin
Local Journalism Initiative
Hooked on School Days, an annual initiative of the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative, has evolved into a crucial opportunity to enhance awareness and engagement while underscoring the significance of supporting youth in their academic pursuits. Against the backdrop of labour shortages and rising living costs, discussions on education retention and motivation have become more common.
Organizations such as Centraide Estrie and the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative, have used this week to not only reaffirm their commitment to supporting children’s educational needs, but also to address the pressing issues faced by families in Estrie.
Andrée Mayer-Périard, President of the Réseau québécois, emphasized the importance of encouraging young individuals to stay motivated in school on their academic journey. She noted, “It is crucial to relentlessly support the efforts of every student so that they have the opportunity to develop to their full potential, especially in a year marked by various challenges affecting their academic path.”
“The Hooked on School Days serves as a reminder that academic perseverance is a collective responsibility,” she explained. “Fostering the educational success of our youth is beneficial for everyone, forming the foundation for overall well-being and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” Mayer- Périard added.
The Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative recently conducted a survey addressing the issues faced by families in the province, providing insights into Quebec residents’ opinions on educational success, motivation, and the role of support.
“Each year, we paint a portrait of the opinions of Quebecers on various aspects directly or indirectly affecting educational success such as work-study balance, motivation, the role of those around them in success, etc.” she explained.
“The survey is a way to take the pulse of Quebecers on important themes in education and it is also an opportunity to reiterate our important messages.”
The Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative survey highlighted that 91 per cent of Quebecers believe more efforts are required to encourage school perseverance, while only 63 per cent think young individuals should prioritize being students.
Some 59 per cent of respondents are concerned about high school dropout rates, and 57 per cent worry about the overall motivation of students. Also, the impact of labour shortages is another area of concern, with 67 per cent expressing fears that young people may prioritize work over studies.
“These findings highlight the ongoing need to emphasize the fundamental role of education in the journey of young individuals,” Mayer-Périard explained.
She further added, “The employment rate for individuals aged 15-19 was 51.1 per cent in 2021. A survey on the mental health of young people aged 12 to 25 in several regions of Quebec revealed a significant increase in the proportion of high school students working between 2022 and 2023.”
In tandem with these efforts, Centraide Estrie on Monday disclosed a substantial donation exceeding $20,000 as part of their ‘Operation September’ initiative, dedicated to supporting community initiatives for the most vulnerable.
Émilie Handfield Dutremble, Social Partnership Advisor for Centraide Estrie, highlighted the impact of Operation September, which reached 12 organizations within the territories of the seven MRCs under Centraide Estrie. She emphasized the tangible difference the donation makes in families’ lives, particularly amid the escalating cost of living.
“When families receive equipment or financial aid, they experience a sense of relief. The money saved on school expenses can be redirected to essentials like groceries,” she remarked.
Discussing the relevance of Operation September during Hooked on School Days, Handfield Dutremble underscored its pivotal role, stating, “Having the necessary school materials is fundamental to educational success. Centraide Estrie is dedicated to the triumph of young minds, and the Operation September program is a proof of this commitment.”
The week-long celebration of Hooked on Schools Days in Estrie also sheds light on pertinent issues faced in the classroom.
From the perspective of Centraide Estrie, Handfield Dutremble explained, “Classroom attention and academic motivation are influenced by various factors. In Estrie, we are fortunate to have numerous contributors in this regard. Possessing necessary school materials, engaging in educational outings, and participating in interest-linked programs are key factors enabling young people to stay motivated and attentive in class.”
In acknowledging the challenges of school perseverance in Quebec, Handfield Dutremble, voiced her concerns, stating, “We acknowledge the existing challenges in school perseverance in Quebec. Despite certain improvements in data, issues such as anxiety and motivation persist. Factors like the current labour shortage, financial pressures, and insufficient food resources impact children’s ability to learn.”
From the perspective of Centraide Estrie, Operation September stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to supporting academic perseverance and addressing the complex challenges faced by the youth in the region.
Hooked on School Days has not only highlighted the crucial need for community support in the academic journey of youth but has also showcased the dedication of organizations like Centraide Estrie and the Réseau québécois pour la réussite éducative.
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