{"id":42042,"date":"2025-02-27T11:15:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T16:15:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portage.ca\/?p=42042"},"modified":"2025-08-12T15:31:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T20:31:10","slug":"portage-transforms-young-peoples-lives-through-education-and-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portage.ca\/en\/portage-transforms-young-peoples-lives-through-education-and-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Portage Transforms Young People\u2019s Lives Through Education and Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

The Portage Lac \u00c9cho<\/a> Centre provides a space where young people can learn to rebuild their lives and lead a substance-free life. This article explores the positive impact of a rehabilitation program that blends education and therapy, based on the testimonial of a young resident <\/a>and by Maura, a teacher at Portage. <\/a><\/p>\n

A Young Resident’s Difficult Journey<\/h3>\n

Despite being only 14 years old, the young resident has already faced significant hardships. “I had serious substance use and mental health issues. I was ten years old when I had my first drink […] I ended up in a psychiatric unit<\/em>,” she explains. After leaving the hospital, she was referred to Portage.<\/p>\n

“It was hard at first, because I didn’t know anyone here. But things are better now and I’m feeling more and more comfortable. Having a support system is really important and I’ve found one here<\/em>,” she adds, discussing her experience at the centre.<\/p>\n

An education that is customized and tailored to the needs of young people<\/h3>\n

The academic program at Portage isn’t limited to the traditional school curriculum. It is designed with the residents’ therapeutic journey in mind. “The classes are very small […] At Portage, the teachers care more about us and our success, and they understand our therapeutic journey. There’s less pressure. For example, if I make a mistake, they help me without judging<\/em>.” explains the resident.<\/p>\n

Maura, a teacher at the centre, stresses the importance of this approach:\u00a0“With small classes, we provide a safe, supportive environment where education adapts to students’ therapeutic needs, allowing each to progress at their own pace<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

Modern tools for better learning<\/h3>\n

The Portage program places emphasis on utilizing various teaching tools to facilitate learning. “They know how to make every topic more interesting, especially history. They use slide shows and videos instead of just talking while they stand at the front of the class,”<\/em> explains the young resident.<\/p>\n

Maura adds, “We use technology as the main tool. Every student has access to a laptop with features like text-to-speech, predictive text, and spelling\/grammar checks to support their learning<\/em>.” This approach allows each person to find the best way for them to learn.<\/p>\n

An academic environment that is flexible and tailored to the therapeutic journey<\/h3>\n

The academic environment at Portage is different from that of traditional schools. “[…] they know how to be flexible and adapt the school schedule. Unlike traditional schools, they place more emphasis on learning and comprehension, not just on passing exams<\/em>“, says the resident.<\/p>\n

The teachers work hand in hand with the clinical staff to meet the needs of the residents. “If a student struggles in class, we can quickly reach out to staff nearby. They provide immediate support, helping the student reset and return to learning. From a teacher’s perspective, this support is invaluable<\/em>,” explains Maura.<\/p>\n

A Promising Future, Thanks to Portage<\/h3>\n

Despite the many challenges and obstacles she has faced, the young resident has great hopes for the future. “I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, especially a criminal lawyer. I’d like to study criminology and go to Harvard Law School<\/em>,” she adds. Thanks to Portage, she has gained confidence in herself. She knows that she can reach her goals and that her dreams are within her grasp.<\/p>\n

At the Lac \u00c9cho centre, young people learn to live substance-free while building a future that lives up to their ambitions.<\/p>\n

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For more information:<\/strong><\/p>\n