NOVA SCOTIA COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.ngnews.ca/News/Local/1969-12-31/article-2061042/Learning-centre-assesses-loss-after-breakin-Computers-stolen-extensive-damage-done/1
Learning centre assesses loss after break-in: Computers stolen, extensive damage done
- Published on December 21st, 2010
- Jennifer Vardy Little
The equipment was essential for the Pictou County Continuous Learning Association to provide services to the more than 50 students who attend the free literacy classes it provides.
Damage done to desks and broken locks on cabinets will also have to be replaced, said Carollynne Nemecek, executive director of PiCCoLA.
“We’ll have to get five laptops, all new cabinets, basically, because they were jimmied and need new locks,” she said. “Two desks need to be replaced and they took scissors and screwdrivers to all the doors. They knew what they were looking for – they opened everything and took all the laptops.”
Although the not-for-profit group has insurance, it’s not yet known how much of the damage and stolen items will be covered.
“We have our insurance adjuster coming in (Tuesday) and hopefully we’ll be covered, but we’re not sure how much will be covered,” she said, adding that the organization will have to make up any additional funds out of their existing budget – and that will mean taking funds from their programming.
“This is really devastating. Everything we have we’ve gotten through donations or grants, we don’t have extra money lying around. It’s our students that are the ones that will really be losing because of this.”
Some of the laptops taken had specialized programs, said Dave Freckelton, president of PiCCoLA.
“This is quite a blow to us,” he said. “One laptop had software we used with people with learning disabilities. It could basically scan a book and the computer would read it with you as you read along. It was very efficient – but a very expensive technology, and when they stole the laptop, they stole that technology.”
Nemecek plans to appeal to the software company to see if they can get another copy, but active files the students are using will be lost.
PiCCoLA is shut down for the Christmas break, Freckelton added, the only blessing of the break-in, which is still under investigation.
Centre has currently 50 students in need of educational boost
PiCCoLA isn’t just a funny name.
Standing for the Pictou County Continuous Learning Association, it provides opportunities to adult learners to upgrade their literacy skills.
Classes are offered in three locations – at the Fisheries School in Pictou four mornings a week, at the Sister Catherine Steele Centre in Lourdes four mornings a week and at the Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton three evenings a week – to the 50 students currently enrolled.
“Transportation is often a barrier for a lot of students – a lot don’t have cars, and without public transportation, it can be difficult,” said PiCCoLA president Dave Freckelton.
The not-for-profit organization has been offering its services for more than 15 years now and has seen hundreds of students benefit from upgrading their skills.
“We’ve often had students in the program that can’t even sign their names on the back of a cheque to people who are functioning at a middle school level and just need to get back in the groove,” Freckelton said. “Some come here and go on to the NSCC or the adult high school and get a trade.”
The students are often “overlooked” by society in many ways, says Freckelton, and face steep challenges.
“A lot of these students have family-related situations or substance abuse problems,” he said. “There are a lot of cards stacked against them before they even start their journey. But the number-one problem is often self-confidence.”
One of the major functions of the six instructors is to help rebuild their confidence, he said.
“When they really turn their mindset around and believe they can accomplish this, it’s amazing to see,” he said, adding that programs like the Gap program aim to do just that.
“If we can get them feeling good about themselves, get them motivated to go back to work, get in a routine and learn the basics like literacy and math, they feel like they’re on top of the world.”
The services are essential, he added, since there’s a demand for a skilled labour force with a Grade 12 education or GED and able to read.
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