Manitouwadge Learning Centre Grand Opening Celebrates Success of New Location
Left to right; Jackie Harrison (past MLC student), CDF/MLC Programming Coordinator Danielle Cooke and Councillor Sheldon Plummer, Twp of Manitouwadge, cut the ribbon at the Manitouwadge Learning Centre's new location downtown. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
Coordinator Danielle Cooke slices the celebratory cake to share with attendees of the Manitouwadge Learning Centre's September 12th Grand Opening. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
MANITOUWADGE, ON – September 12, the Manitouwadge Learning Centre (Centre de formation) held its official Grand Opening at the new location in Unit #11, in the Hallmark Square. The centre’s new location is 800 square feet larger than its previous location on Shebandowan allowing for a resource room, also used by Northwest Employment Works 1-2 per week, a reception area (front) separate from the computer stations are set up allowing for much more privacy and a much quieter work space for the students. The new location’s main appeal for the staff and board were the benefits they hoped would come from the centre being in the downtown core including added visibility and more opportunities for the general public and potential students to walk in without appointments – there expectations have been surpassed explained Coordinator Danielle Cooke, with nearly a dozen new students registering since their opening less than 2 weeks ago.
Grand Opening celebrations began with a ribbon cutting, at the front entrance, by past student Jackie Harrison, Coordinator Danielle Cooke and Manitouwage Councillor Sheldon Plummer. Plummer offered a congratulatory address to centre staff and attendees on behalf of Mayor and Council in which he acknowledged the significance of the Centre’s longevity and the impact it has has in the community “We all know the importance of continuing education, and [for] 20 years the centre has been making a name for this community” said Plummer.
Coordinator Danielle Cooke thanks Manitouwadge Town Councillor Sheldon Plummer for his congratulatory address on behalf of the Mayor and Council. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
The Centre de formation Manitouwadge Learning Centre, originally named l’Arc-en-Ciel de l’Alphabet (then located at 5 Black Road), was launched in September 1990 originally catering to French speaking learners and their literacy needs in both official languages. Soon after it moved to 33 Shebandowan it’s residence for the next 20+ years. The centre evolved serving English learners, adding basic math to it’s available curriculum and, when the need arose, computer skills.
In June 2013 the move to the Hallmark Square was made hoping to increase visibility and welcome new clients. 2 weeks after their Fall opening, the move has, as previously mentioned, already proven itself successful. The Centre de Formation Manitouwadge Learning Centre has grown and evolved over the years as per the community’s needs and input from users, and continues to do so putting the abilities and resources available to maximum use. The staff now includes Coordinator Danielle Cooke, full-time Academic Instructor Lou Budgell and part-time Computer/Digital Instructor Chris Leduc.
Manitouwadge Learning Centre's new location has an additional 800 square feet providing added space and privacy for student workstations. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
The Manitouwadge Learning Centre is a non-profit organization fully funded by Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and governed by a board of volunteers. Its mandate includes; teaching basic literacy, numeracy and computer skills to adults, assist with preparation for GED (General Education Diploma) testing, and teaching basic use of digital technology and internet skills. They also offer beginner and intermediate course in the most commonly used computer programs including the Microsoft Works Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc).
Many supporters from across the region attended the opening. Pictured here with centre staff and board members are NEW Employment Advisor Trisha Bracket (far left back row) and NEW Resource Officer Deb Seidel (far left front row). Northwest Employment Works (NEW) uses office space at the centre attending to meet with clients every week. Pictured are Back row (left to right) Trisha Brackett, Employment Advisor Northwest Employment Works; Chris Leduc, Computer/Digital Instructor; Sabrina Leduc, Part-time Substitute Instructor, Front Row; Deb Seidel, Resource Officer Northwest Employment Works; Nancy Roy, Vice-President, Administrative Board; Danielle Cooke, Coordinator; and Paulette Landry, President, Administrative Board. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
Manitouwadge Learning Centre staff and board members; Back row (left to right) Chris Leduc, Computer/Digital Instructor; Sabrina Leduc, Part-time Substitute Instructor, Front Row; Nancy Roy, Vice-President, Administrative Board; Danielle Cooke, Coordinator; and Paulette Landry, President, Administrative Board. Absent from photo: Academic Instructor Lou Budgell and Director Lise Foucault-Clark, MLC Administrative Board. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
Among those who attended the Grand Opening were current and past students of the centre and its staff and board members. Coordinator Danielle Cooke was not surprised to have the support of past students “We have a family atmosphere, there’s alot of one-on-one and you build relationships that go beyond the walls of the centre” said Cooke. Also in attendance were supporters from neighbouring communities including; Simone Donaldson Coordinator at the Schreiber Learning Centre and her colleague, Academic Instructor Kevin Pichette; Deb Seidel and Trisha Bracket from Northwest Employment Works (NEW Marathon).
CONGRATULATIONS! to all those who have worked to make the Manitouwadge Learning Centre a centre of excellence in adult education and to those who made the move to their new location a smooth and successful transition!
If you would like to learn more about what the centre has to offer you, contact them at:
- (807) 826-4362,
- ManitouwadgeLearningCentre@gmail.com
- or ‘Like’ them on facebook at www.facebook.com/ManitouwadgeLearning
The grand opening included several attendance prize draws; winners of door prizes were: Rejean Landry, Sherry Bryant, Tammy Weist, Simone Donaldson and Kevin Cooke
A celebratory cake shared by the approximately 50 attendees of the learning centre's grand opening. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com
