Despite challenges, Mid Island Elder College vows to remain around for decades to come. (Pixabay)

By Ian Holmes

lifelong learners

‘We can’t let this disappear:’ Mid Island Elder College determined to forge viable future

Mar 4, 2024 | 5:31 AM

PARKSVILLE — A newly formed non-profit organization with a loyal client base is determined to continue its mission of lifelong learning.

Following Vancouver Island University’s decision to stop funding the 30-year-old program, Mid Island Elder College (MIEC) is introducing six courses in the weeks ahead for their students.

“We can’t let this disappear because it’s been such a central part of their retirement years,” MIEC board chair Ross Peterson told NanaimoNewsNOW, who said the response from more than 3,000 current and past students was resoundingly clear.

A non-certified exam-free curriculum focused on life skills and subjects of interest tailored to its clients, volunteer instructors will offer the first of a half dozen courses starting this week at the Parksville Community Centre on Mills St.

Peterson himself instructs “Are you prepared for emergencies and disasters?” starting Tuesday, March 5 at 10 a.m.

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“We are highly responsive to what the residents of this area tell us they want to learn. If people come up with a subject that isn’t on our calendar and they need to learn about it we’ll do our best to find an instructor and add a new course to our curriculum.”

History courses are their most popular, Peterson said, noting a class on Vancouver Island’s coal mine history will be offered this spring.

Peterson became involved with what was previously known as ElderCollege when he retired to the mid Island region in 2000 and took classes before becoming a volunteer instructor.

“It’s astounding just how important ongoing learning is for people as they age. We have to keep our physical bodies in shape and we have to keep our mind in shape as well. People have realized this…we’re driven to keep offering courses to satisfy that need.”

MIEC plans to expand to their normal offering of 80 courses for the fall semester, with potentially about half of the classes to be offered virtually as per student request.

Courses range in length from a single day offering to up to two months long involving classroom sessions once weekly for two hours.

A three-part lecture MIEC lecture series in April will include Canada’s role in the ongoing Russia invasion of Ukraine.

Betty Jacobs is a lifelong learner. The MIEC student has completed hundreds of courses over the last 30 years. (MIEC)

MIEC is in the process of establishing a website for people to donate and also be recognized as a registered charity.

Without integral administrative support and classroom space from VIU, Peterson believes in the range of $100,000 will be required annually to sustain MIEC.

“These are not unexpected expenses by any means, but they are ones we have to meet and we’re confident that the community is going to get behind us and help make this happen.”

Payments to attend MIEC classes are due on the first day of a given course by cash or cheque only.

MIEC is designed for learners 50-years-old and up.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes