Specialised high school makes room for refugees

An alternative high school in Saint-Laurent is doing its part to support Syrian refugees.

Education Plus, a small school of 20 students that teaches secondary four and five, hopes to welcome ten Syrian students by mid-January.

“We’re concerned with the trauma a lot of these children may have suffered so we think a smaller environment, with a nurturing focus might be what they need,” said school administrator, Kim Watts.

EdPlus was founded 22 years ago to offer individualized attention to students with behavioural issues or who may need special attention to graduate.

In curating a program for refugees, the school is hoping to explore ideas that welcome the newcomers. In addition to core courses like math, French and English, they hope to facilitate resources and community integration.

The school is also considering adding courses on Montreal culture, transit and cooking. “It’s a two-way street, we also want to learn from them,” said Watts.

One suggestion was to offer Arabic courses. “We’ve been speaking to people in the Syrian community that are already here and sponsored, and they’ve been very helpful.”

The commitment from the school is from January to June of this year, though if it proves sustainable. “If we see this as a growing need, we’ll absolutely keep it going,” said Watts.

Student initiative

The idea sprang from the classroom. Every morning the students are taught current events, where they learn what is going on at large and locally, Watts explained.

“This particular crisis had come up over and over again, so after the holidays the question was raised ‘what can we do?’”

An extra room was turned into an additional classroom, and the students and staff started a GoFundMe page that has raised over $10,000 since mid-November.

Tuition at the private school will be waived for the refugees.

“We have volunteers ready to teach, the space is set aside, and the overhead is covered,” explained Watts. Other staff will be hired if necessary.

EdPlus is working with various immigration organisations for which students will end up at the school, and hopes that spreading the news of their initiative will help get students in need through their doors.

“If the word is out there in the community and knows of a child who may be experiencing some sort of trauma or learning disability . . . they will then say ‘I’ve got a school for you,’ and send them to us.”

This is not the first time the school reached out to refugees. Two girls from Aleppo graduated from EdPlus last year, and are now enrolled in Vanier CEGEP.

To donate to the campaign, go to gofundme.com/tuitionforrefugees