Staff at the Ponoka and Rimbey Adult Learning Centre are continuing to spread the word about the diverse set of educational opportunities available.
“We have been around since the early 1980s,” said Sharon Schwab, Ponoka Adult Learning coordinator, adding the organization is run by a volunteer board of directors.
“We have a joint relationship between Red Deer Polytechnic, Olds College, and Campus Alberta Central. Right here in Ponoka, we also have a lovely civic centre that opened in 2019.
“It has a full lab where the licensed practical nursing program takes place,” she said, adding there is a health care aid program available as well.
“The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art hospital beds and monitoring equipment.”
Besides these two programs, there is a broad selection of community learning opportunities as well.
“Our mandate through Advanced Education is to provide literacy, numeracy, and digital skills along with skills for success at work.”
There are courses to help folks bolster their reading and writing skills.
“We also offer the GED program in conjunction with Northwest College,” she said.
Learners can also sign up to strengthen their financial literacy skills and their computer skills via courses in Microsoft, Word and Excel, to name a few.
“Another big part of what we are doing here is the English as a Second Language programming,” said Schwab.
In the meantime, she encourages those who are interested in signing up for a course to drop by and see what the facility is all about.
“Come on down and talk to us. The more input we get, the more we can research and possibly deliver more programs,” said Schwab.
The community is invited to come to Happy Appies on Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments and chat about the goings-on at the centre.
Still, getting the word out about everything they have to offer doesn’t always come easy, said Nicole Braim, Campus Alberta Central coordinator.
“We are struggling with awareness,” she said.
“For example, a lot of people don’t know that we have the lab here. When we show people, they are amazed by it — especially considering it is twice the size of RDP’s main campus lab.”
Despite any awareness issues in the region, both women say they are pleased with the responses of those who have studied at the centre.
“They like the building, and they like the way the courses are taught,” said Schwab.
Smaller classes are also a plus, many point out.
“We usually run between five to nine students per class. So far, everyone is really happy with what we offer.”
For more information, visit www.ponokarimbeyalc.com.