The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would enhance the Community Schools Partnership Initiative (CSPI) and help all Manitoba schools strengthen community partnerships and student success by co-ordinating services and supports to students and families. This announcement was made by Education Minister Nancy Allan.
“We’ve seen the difference community schools make. Community schools support the learning that is happening in the classroom by providing educational, social, cultural and recreational activities and strengthening partnerships with the community that improve opportunities for students families,” said Allan.
There are currently 29 schools throughout Manitoba that participate in the CSPI. These schools link students and their families with services and programs such as nurse practitioners, summer and after-school programs, adult skills training and financial literacy, the minister said.
Florence Gray, a parent of a child at Dufferin Community School, believes community schools not only help children succeed but also help parents.
“The job training program for parents at my child’s school helped me to get into the Inner City Social Work Program at the University of Manitoba and to get a job supporting north-end students to complete their high school education through an after-school home work and mentoring program. Our whole family has benefited from the community school programs offered at Dufferin Community School.”
The legislation would establish a Community Schools Unit in the Department of Education that would help all schools participate in a community schools network to share ideas to enhance programs and services for families. A community advisory committee would be established to strengthen partnerships and provide advice to the Minister and Community Schools Unit, and co-ordinate the support of various departments that work with schools.
“Schools have deep connections in their communities and are providing services that make our neighbourhoods stronger and are helping our students get a better start,” said Allan
