Bright pink sign in the hands, D. Copeman, library support specialist in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, weaves the metallic feet through the preformed channels with dexterity and precision, then looks in search of the best spot where to set the powerful message for all to see. Thousands of Bluenose marathon participants will soon be running down the street and it is now time to make the most of what neighbors and residents sympathetic to the cause agreed to offer: visibility. Sharing a spot on their front lawn to amplify the voices of striking school support workers. Because at this point, this is where we are at. Making the subject-matter of the dispute known to all and having the public understand what this is all about. Who are the CUPE members picketing at high traffic intersections and what are our support workers fighting for.

Making Education Accessible To All.

Support workers have many faces and encompass many of our pedagogic workforce. “CUPE 5047 members are educational program assistants, early childhood educators, library support specialists, African Nova Scotian and Indigenous support workers, child and youth care practitioners, and members of SchoolsPlus, the programs that bridge community support for struggling families into schools. These support workers make equitable and inclusive education possible — in their absence, students with multiple complex needs are not able to attend school” explains Copeman. A key role, indeed, to promote diversity and provide inclusiveness.

A Work In Progress.

But the reality is that diversity and inclusiveness have not always been fully integrated in school systems. And they should not be taken for granted. Together, they certainly form a powerful concept when it comes to advocating our values of being supportive and open to all. Unfortunately, the educational systems in many societies around the world, and even in places within our very own country, do not always have the resources necessary nor the proper tools to welcome our children in all their uniqueness or to best support them with their specific needs and help them explore, discover and embrace their own path.

A World Of Opportunities.

In Nova Scotia, we have the opportunity—and the ability—to provide this very support to our students in all their diversity. To provide schooling for all. To help our children thrive in their environment. And positively go through particular situations and hardships, as varied as they may be. We have the opportunity to give comfort to families. The prospect of a sound future as their children grow up. And this is delivered in many different ways through our centres for education. It is made possible by the people who care for our children on a daily basis. The frontline workers of our school system. Our support workers.

Above And Beyond.

“These school support workers build and maintain relationships over years to support some of the most marginalized and at risk students and families in our communities — and we know learning is not possible without a foundation of trusting, caring relationships” adds Copeman. Support workers are the ones actively involved in our youth development and their daily challenges during and after class. They build relationships with families. They are the ones enacting creative ways and effective responses to bring the best out of our children so they can develop their full potential. Support workers work at preventing crises too, because this is also a reality. They distill compassion and guidance. They provide a solid shoulder to rest on. A steady figure to turn to in stormy times. A friendly face to proudly lay eyes on in everyday victories.

Building Our Future.

To keep providing that sense of security and attentiveness within our education system, we need our support workers. And we need to let them know how valuable they are to us. Acknowledge how very important their role is, not only to our children but to our communities. Our schools today are building our humanity of tomorrow. And our tomorrow evolves around acceptance, openness, inclusiveness. Strong values for a strong society that will be able not only to successfully face adversity but to victoriously adapt to changes.

Reaching Equity.

Our support workers are underestimated and under represented. They need to be recognized for what they truly are: a cornerstone to our education system, essential pillars to our children. Copeman stresses that “our message to community members is to please contact your MLA and the premier to ask that the government re-engage with contract negotiations — our schools are not equitable and are not functioning right now in the absence of these workers — we ask for a living wage for HRCE workers, a more expensive part of NS in which to live.”

Time For Recognition.

With support workers not being able to have access to a decent living wage, it is our entire education system that is in jeopardy. For today’s students, indubitably. But also for tomorrow’s society. It is time to recognize the efforts and the dedication of those essential workers shaping the minds of our future. Time for us to show them the kind of care and appreciation they share with our very own children, day after day. It is time to hear their voice.