facebookDoing laundry, for many of us, is a routine task that requires little forethought. But for someone who has never used an American standard washer or dryer, the task can seem insurmountable.
On Monday, December 12, 2011, health care aide students from Herzing College – Winnipeg visited Wolseley Family Place in the Misericordia Health Centre, a community centre that offers support and activities for young families including music circle, story-telling, and something self-explanatory called, “Wiggle, Giggle and Munch.”
Local residents in need are invited to attend classes on parenting skills and cooking, have their clothes washed for minimal cost, and even enjoy low-cost meals.
It is the right environment for Herzing students to learn about the basic tasks that will help make them employable, according to Nancy Scott, Herzing Health Care Aide instructor.
“One of the biggest complaints from community agencies and their clients is that the HCAs sent to their homes don't know how to cook, do laundry, or use common household items such as a dishwasher, microwave or iron,” Scott said.
Could a cultural barrier have been impeding progress?
“These tasks are not necessarily familiar to students who have recently arrived in Canada from other countries,” Scott said.
“Many of the students have never used measuring cups and spoons, followed a recipe or cooked anything other than their traditional dishes. Reading recipes, laundry labels, sorting clothes, and using electric washers and dryers help them gain valuable experience.”
Scott hopes the students will continue to take advantage of the relationship with Winnipeg’s Wolseley Family Place. She knows she’s landed on a sweet setup for student success.
“I will be posting a WFP board in our student lounge…and I will post their schedule to inform students of volunteer opportunities.”
