The Exchange Sessions: Emma Cloney & guests perform

When we talk about barriers to education, what usually comes to mind are tuition, cost of books or access to technology.

But, after years of listening to Indigenous students, families, elders, communities, and organizations across Manitoba, we heard something else. For many, the biggest barrier to post-secondary education is having a safe place to live, where their culture is honoured and resources are accessible.

Jordan was living in a tent in downtown Winnipeg for the first few weeks of his time at RRC Polytech.

Before attending Pathways to Business, he had been progressing in his journey to sobriety for a while. He knew he needed to keep that momentum going, and the opportunity came when he saw a poster for the program. Jordan saved up money from social assistance to apply, and was accepted for the 2024 fall term.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: My wife has really enjoyed staying home with the kids all summer, as she is a teacher and has the two months off. Last night she was tearful at bedtime because she has to go back to the classroom and “this perfect summer together is all over.”

I told her I could afford to look after us financially if she ever wanted to quit teaching and stay home, and she blew up and said, “I love to teach and our kids won’t at be home. They’ll all be at school.” Then the tears really came. Sometimes I just can’t win. What’s up with her? Please advise.

— Willing to Help, Winnipeg

Dear Willing: The same thing that’s happened to your wife, you often see with kids at this time of year — over-excitement. It’s hard on everybody when there’s too much new stuff going on and the daily schedule is totally changing from summertime.