This global pandemic has exposed to many what Pathways to Education has seen firsthand for years: that access to technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for educational success.
The work we do removes barriers for youth living in low-income communities by providing a combination of academic, financial, social, and one-on-one supports. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified barriers and challenged us to find innovative ways to continue our support.
While schools are closed and social distancing is our new reality, we are connecting with students and their families to respond to their immediate needs.
We know there are parents who are having to choose between putting food on the table and an internet connection so their children can continue learning, families who no longer have access to a computer at school or work to stay connected with social services, and new Canadians trying to navigate this situation with limited English skills. These challenges widen the socio-economic gap for those living in low-income communities.
We are adapting our programming to respond to evolving needs and provide a sense of belonging and hope virtually. Our program staff continue to provide support to students via a variety of channels, including video, social media, texting, and phone calls. We have also started to test innovative approaches to online group programming to help minimize the impact on learning.
There is of course still more work to be done and we look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.
Take care and thank you for your continued support.
—
If you would like to receive updates on how we are continuing to support youth from low-income communities during this difficult time, click here to sign-up to receive emails from us.