Fort St. James Secondary Seeks Support for Vulnerable Students

The community of Fort St. James, British Columbia, is facing a crisis as the local secondary school seeks assistance to support its vulnerable students. The school, which serves approximately 267 students, is grappling with the effects of ongoing tragedies, including a staggering average of one death per week since December 2020, according to Shelley Leatherdale, the school’s vice-principal. The toll from issues like substance abuse and accidents has left families in mourning, compounding the challenges of poverty that many students face.

In response to the overwhelming grief and hardship, the Indigenous education department is organizing a workshop called “Embers of Hope” to help students cope with loss. The need for emotional and practical support is evident, as Leatherdale noted the severe impact of hunger on students, particularly noticeable on Monday mornings when many arrive without having eaten for days. “They will take one or two or sometimes three servings of breakfast and go to our wellness room,” she explained, highlighting the importance of this resource in meeting basic needs.

The wellness room is designed to provide not only food but also clothing and a safe space for students. With the temperature often dropping below -20 degrees Celsius, many students arrive at school inadequately dressed, prompting staff to seek warm clothing through various means, including trips to thrift stores in nearby Prince George. “We are really teaching them how to do things on a budget,” Leatherdale said, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy in these trying conditions.

The school has applied for a grant from the Adopt-A-School (AAS) program, requesting $20,000 to continue providing essential services to students and their families. According to Jhenipher Bridgeman, an at-risk youth worker, this funding is crucial. “Basic essentials are things our students need to survive, stay healthy and live with dignity,” she remarked, adding that the community has faced numerous tragedies over the past six years, leading to significant emotional and economic challenges.

The AAS program, administered by the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, has received requests from 164 schools totaling an urgent $1.5 million in funding. Bridgeman highlighted that the systemic barriers faced by these families often lead to poor health outcomes and lower educational achievements, making it difficult to break the cycle of poverty.

With the cost-of-living crisis affecting many families across Canada, the need for support has never been more pressing. The wellness room at Fort St. James Secondary is a vital resource for students, offering not just food and clothing but also a sense of community and care during difficult times.

To contribute to this cause, individuals can donate directly to the Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund, ensuring that all funds go directly to schools without any administrative fees. The community’s resilience in the face of adversity is commendable, but it is clear that further support is needed to help these students thrive amidst their challenges.

For more information on how to help, donations can be made online at vansunkidsfund.ca or by calling 604-813-8673.