The news of proposed cuts to counselling departments throughout CNC has me concerned for all current and future students.
I am a CNC instructor where I teach in the social services program.
The topics discussed in my classes are realistic, traumatic and difficult. Classroom learning content, unexpected life difficulties and expectations of post-secondary education is overwhelming.
Many students are successfully employed because of their hard work both in the classroom, and in an office with a clinical counsellor at CNC.
Community resources have been clawed back.
Wait-lists are long and caseloads are high at non-profit community programs.
Students can't afford to pay for private counsellors.
Public education is under attack.
It's time to send a message to our provincial government and collectively advocate for increased funding.
In the meantime, CNC owes the students the best possible chance of receiving post-secondary education. Without the counselling department, many students will not have the opportunity to do so.
Nikki Hemstad-Leete
Prince George
