During her youth, Tammy had family difficulties. Since she was moving and changing schools every year, she found it difficult. She’s been attending classes at Alpha Sans Frontières in Saint-Antoine for six years and she understands now, how education is very important.

I didn’t have the necessary explanations I needed in order to succeed. I didn’t understand the academic subjects well, and my grades were so low that I lost courage. When I started grade 9, and the others were still making fun of me, as they had been doing since grade 5, I had had enough. I wasn’t doing well in class, I still had difficulties at home, I had very few friends, so I started consuming alcohol and drugs. I quit school to go on the job market in the fish plants. Since I was no longer living at home, I moved in with my boyfriend.

After one year spent working in the fish plant, I began to realize that I didn’t want to do this type of work for the rest of my days. Therefore, I decided to enroll in a literacy class in my village. Literacy classes allow us to have a second chance in obtaining our high school diplomas.

In the class, I advance at my own speed. I receive the necessary explanations, and I put in a lot of effort in order to understand. My grades are a lot higher, something that encourages me to keep going.

Attending literacy classes has allowed me to meet other people and make new friends. We have many activities and conferences that give us important information on self-esteem which helps us to increase our confidence. I’ve quit taking alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. I’ve started doing volunteer work, and that has increased my self-esteem. I am very proud of my progress.

Tammy Caissie, 22 years old, Saint-Antoine NB