‘It gives you hope:’ Nanaimo students benefit from growing support program

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Emory Fae said a multitude of social supports to help fund their education allowed them to realize the dream of post secondary education. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

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'It gives you hope:' Nanaimo students benefit from growing support program

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A record of nearly 2,000 students province-wide are now enrolled in YFEF.

“It gives you hope, it gives you a can-do look at ‘Oh, maybe I do want to consider university.’ I would not have been able to possibly even fathom university without the resources that have helped me here,” the 28-year-old Fae told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Fae is an annual VIU Dean’s List recipient who’s completing a bachelor’s degree, hoping to become a counsellor to help vulnerable youth like they were.

This past year, 101 VIU students (60 for the first time) were assisted through the YFEF program, according to United Way BC.

The fund supplements the B.C. government’s Provincial Tuition Waiver Program offered to students currently and formerly in care who are attending post-secondary courses on a part or full-time basis.

Fae said many students they are familiar with who grew up in the government care system don’t have families to rely on to help better their lives as young adults and beyond.

“When emergencies arise, we are more likely to need to draw on those safety nets that are granted to us through community supports,” Fae noted.

A proud professional artist, Fae described art as their first true love, which assists in healing and remaining grounded during difficult times.

“I’d paint with toothpicks and nail polish when I was homeless,” recounted Fae, a queer and disabled multi-media artist.

Oil-based pet portraits are a passion of Emory Fae, who described art as a crucial outlet throughout their life. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

Fae pointed to numerous community-based supports in Nanaimo which have helped them persevere.

Fae believes the YFEF represents key investments in improving the lives of young people, as well as society at large.

“With the economy doing what it’s doing, or increased grocery prices, these funds really need to be prioritized because we haven’t had a break yet, we’re always living like this.”

According to United Way BC, the YFEF has benefitted a total of 5,044 students since the program’s inception in 2015.

More information on YFEF, including the ability to donate online, is available here.

Another example of of Emory Fae’s art work. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

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