What is SARCA?

SARCA, which stands for Services d’accueil, de référence, de conseil et d’accompagnement, is a service for adults to assist them in achieving their educational objectives. Services offered by SARCA help adults carry out their career or learning plan, whether they are enrolled in general education or in vocational training or not.

For Safak, this role has made her a pillar in adult learning not only at the LBPSB but also as a leader in the West Island community.

“My role is to help, support, and guide adults towards their educational journey. I am there to assess their current situation and their educational background so that I can then best advise what steps they should take to achieve their goals,” she says.

“Eddie, my first client came to me in May 2008 and was referred to by Emploi Québec. They strongly suggested he do his TENS (high-school attestation exams) to obtain his high-school attestation. Eddie was petrified of having to write a series of tests, but after meeting with him and reviewing his file, I convinced Emplois Québec that he only needed to write his Secondary 5 French. “He was much closer to graduating high school than they thought!”

After writing his TENS, Eddie’s educational journey took off! He became an orderly, specialized in homecare, and found a fulfilling job at the Pierrefonds CLSC in homecare assistance.

Eddie’s story was so inspirational and exactly why SARCA was created: To provide a personal educational and career plan.

In fact, he eventually presented his story to the Council of Commissioners to demonstrate how this formula helped him achieve three diplomas.

Growing LBPSB’s SARCA Over the Years

After hearing about Eddie’s success, employment counselors, community leaders, and teachers began referring clients to Safak. Clients can be newcomers, immigrants, or refugees who are looking to know more about their options.  “I have clients who are looking to reorient their career, others who are looking to earn a diploma but not sure where to start. My role is to evaluate their current situation, their prior learning, and to show them the path or paths they can take to reach their goal,” says Safak.  

Although her office is located at the school board, Safak’s mandate is wide, and she continues to reach out and interface with community organizations. “I meet people everywhere! I’ve met people in welfare offices, in churches, and at the library. I never say no to a meeting because I know that the earlier a client meets with me, the sooner they will go to school, and the sooner they will find a well-paying job.”