CFER OUEST: Offering Students a New Way of Learning
by Marilyn Santucci
Every school has students with diverse learning needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. CFER OUEST offers an excellent alternative for students who struggle to adapt to the traditional academic curriculum, providing them with a more suitable learning opportunity.
Located at John Rennie High School, CFER (Centre de Formation en Entreprise et Recuperation) OUEST is a 3-year program. Students in this program have not successfully completed their grade 6 competencies. CFER’s focus is on obtaining work skills in a closed workshop setting. There are three components to CFER (business, classroom and the caravan). Students take courses in Math, English, French, History and World of Work and work in the workshop recycling e-waste. To be eligible for this program students must be 15 years old by September 30th. This program includes an in-house stage for the first two years and a stage within the community in their last year. The program aims to try and develop autonomous students, productive and engaged citizens, and trained, productive workers.
Sonya Vann, a Social Work Technician, is part of a team that runs the program. She works closely with the students, helping them find opportunities and dedicates a significant amount of time to securing grants that further support both the program and the students’ needs. She also helps the students write their resumes, so they feel confident as they apply for internships and jobs. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing the students blossom into confident young adults:
“I love seeing the students feel proud of themselves and their accomplishments. Watching them grow, embrace learning, and try new things fills me with joy. They’ve regained their ambition. When they first enter the program, many look defeated—heads down, confidence low. School has often been a negative experience for them. But over time, smiles emerge, and their entire demeanor transforms for the better. It’s this growth that truly inspires me.”
A Space to Grow
When you enter the doors of CFER OUEST, you will be met with bustling students chatting up a storm, discussing their upcoming projects and internships, smiley faces, and determined and eager young adults. Andrew Hill, a 20-year-old in his final year of the program, is one of the many lively students you’ll encounter at CFER OUEST. His vibrant personality is felt the moment you engage with him, and his deep appreciation for the program, along with the pride he takes in his achievements, is evident to everyone he meets.
“I love my teachers. They always ask for my help and make me feel like I matter. I enjoy waking up early to help Sonya; it makes me feel like part of a team. Now I have an internship at Wendy’s, and I love being part of their team too. I work there on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. In the mornings, I make the lemonade and Frosties, fill the ice buckets, and help organize and put things away. I even do the fries! One day, I dressed up as SpongeBob for a promotional event with face painting for kids, and I had the best time!”
Andrew is an active contributor at school, assisting with sporting events and helping his neighbors by shoveling snow during the winter. He is always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. A passionate sports enthusiast, Andrew plays soccer for the Lakeshore Super Sonics and serves as the goalie for the Special Needs Olympics soccer team.
Angelica Thibodeau Derapp, a 19-year-old in her final year of the program, has a difficult time with reading and writing and struggled in a traditional academic learning environment. Since joining CFER OUEST, Angelica has not only improved her writing but was also offered an internship at a veterinarian’s office and recently received her forklift license.
“I like working in the workshop. I get to use my hands and learned how to drive a forklift. I have my licence. It’s cool and I am proud of myself, and I never thought I would have been able to drive a forklift. At the vet, I get to help take care of the animals, do daily tasks like clean cages, and organize all the necessary items the animals and technicians may need.”
Both students are generous with their time, coming in on weekends to help with fundraising efforts and always offering a hand when needed. The program offers many community building opportunities, like pasta lunches, to bring the students together and to feel part of a team.
Bridging the Gap
Although students from CFER OUEST don’t receive a high school diploma, they do receive an attestation of competencies, which they can present to future employers as proof of their acquired skills. Through the hands-on experience they gain in the program, students enter and leave transformed, with a newfound appreciation for their abilities and accomplishments. When traditional education programs don’t work for some, programs like CFER OUEST help bridge the gap for those seeking a more personalized, non-traditional path in their educational journey.
To learn more about CFER OUEST, visit: http://johnrennie.lbpsb.qc.ca/CFER.htm
