The Go Getters’ Bursaries, 2024 edition: our winners
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Through the generous contribution from the Desjardins Foundation, the Literacy Foundation is offering 20 scholarships of 1500$ each. Awarded in recognition of the perseverance and determination of learners who have pursued their educational path in order to enhance their reading and writing skills thus emproving their living conditions.
Over the years, 85 recipients have been awarded, for a total of 115 000$ in scholarships awarded to encourage and support them in their efforts to lead better lives and contribute fully to Quebecs’ future.
Agnes Nizigama
Centre d’éducation des adultes Jeanne-Sauvé
Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoy
After leaving her studies during primary school, Agnes returned to school at the age of 53 to follow a francization program. A mother of six children, she demonstrates remarkable perseverance in pursuing her educational dreams and at 60, Agnes is studying to become a care attendant. Her journey is an inspiring testimony of a successful return to education and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges.
Alexandre Lanthier
Carrefour jeunesse emploi de l’Outaouais, École autrement
Centre d’éducation des adultes des Draveurs
It is with exceptional perseverance that Alexandre returned to school at age 27 after receiving a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Even though Alexandre faced challenges, he did not let go of his ambitions. Pursuing a DEP in IT support, Alexandre demonstrates that resilience and determination can overcome the most difficult obstacles. Alexandres’ journey is an inspiring example of inner strength and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities for success.
Alizeta Zoungrana
Centre de formation générale aux adultes des Grandes-Seigneuries
Centre de services scolaire des Grandes-Seigneuries
Arriving from West Africa in 2015 with her four children, Alizeta demonstrates unwavering perseverance as she juggles night work and day school to pursue her dream of earning a degree in nursing. Alizeta continues to move forward with an exceptional desire to learn, laying a solid foundation to become a nurse and provide a better future for her family.
Ariane Chouinard
Centre de Formation générale des Adultes de la Jonquière
Centre de services scolaire de La Jonquière
Ariane joined a special education class in primary school because of the difficulties she encountered at school. Hearing impaired since birth and suffering from type 1 diabetes, Ariane had to overcome many challenges to get where she is today. Despite these challenges, Ariane always wanted to be a role model for her brothers and sisters. Today, at 19, she is finishing secondary school. Her journey is a great example of perseverance and determination.
Ariane Dessureault
Centre d’éducation des adultes du Saint-Maurice
Centre de services scolaire de l’Énergie
In spite of health issues that forced her to miss many days of school, Ariane, a mother of two children, remains determined to continue her studies. The difficulties she has encountered have not dampened her determination and her children are a constant source of motivation. Her perseverance is fueled by the desire to provide a better future for her family, making every challenge an opportunity to grow and succeed.
Celestine Tchamdouba
Centre d’éducation des adultes Saint-Hyacinthe-Acton
Centre de services scolaire de Saint-Hyacinthe
Originally from the Central African Republic, Celestine left her country accompanied by her five children. In 2022, she began her studies at the adult education center in Saint-Hyacinthe, Acton, in order to learn to read and speak French. Her wish is to find stable employment. Thanks to her courage and determination, Celestine prepares to seize new opportunities.
Dave-Dylan Charette
Centre de Formation générale des Cimes-Sainte-Adèle
Centre de services scolaire des Laurentides
At the age of 24, after overcoming numerous learning difficulties that had forced him to settle for pre-secondary education, Dave decided to return to his studies with remarkable determination. His perseverance and commitment were rewarded when he was selected to participate in the “Ma plus belle histoire” poetry competition, a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and talent.
Doris Ambroise
École hôtelière de la Capitale
Centre de services scolaire de la Capitale
At 52, Doris is illiterate. Although she attempted to return to school, Doris interrupted her studies for 2 years, feeling discouraged and demotivated after discovering that she had dyslexia and dysphasia. Today, Doris is pursuing culinary studies with the ambition of transforming this passion into a career. Her determination to succeed, despite obstacles, is a testament to her perseverance and commitment to her goals.
Fawzia Soltani
Centre de formation continue des Patriotes
Centre de services scolaire de la Seigneurie-des-Milles-Îles
After leaving Afghanistan and coming to Quebec in 2012, Fawzia began learning French. Despite the challenges of learning a new language, Fawzia is determined to improve her skills to better support her children with their education. Fawzia’s commitment to her studies reflects her desire to learn and improve. Her journey is an inspiring testimony.
Josiane Boucher-Bouchard
Centre d’éducation des adultes des Navigateurs
Centre de services scolaire des Navigateurs
Following an accident in 2016, Josiane lost her communication and writing skills. At 26, Josiane took basic classes for adults in order to relearn how to speak and write. Little by little, Josiane regains confidence in her ability to communicate. The path she has traveled over the past several months is immense, and she is extremely proud of it.
Maria Martha Ramos Sarmiento
Centre d’éducation des adultes Outremont
Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys
Despite personal challenges and difficulties related to her past, Maria has never given up on her dreams. Arriving in Montreal as a refugee, she demonstrated assiduity in her French studies, always being among the first to arrive and the last to leave. His thirst for learning and her courage in the face of adversity are inspiring. Today, by continuing her studies in literacy with the same motivation, Maria shows that nothing is impossible for those who stick to their goals.
Marilou Touzel Lebrun
Centre d’éducation des adultes de Carleton-sur-Mer-Matapédia
Centre de services scolaire René-Levesque
At the age of 15, after the death of her father, Marilou decided to leave home and enter the workforce. However, at the age of 27, driven by an inflexible will, Marilou decided to return to her studies in order to complete her high school education. Her dream is now to pursue studies in criminology at Carlton CEGEP. Despite the many difficulties encountered along the way, she demonstrates that perseverance allows you to overcome obstacles and achieve your aspirations. Her journey is an inspiring testimony that determination allows you to achieve your dreams, even in the face of the most arduous challenges.
Mariya Faizi
Centre Saint-Michel
Centre de services scolaire de la Région-de-Sherbrooke
In 2019, at the age of 18, Mariya left Afghanistan to settle in Quebec. When Mariya arrived, she did not speak French and so prior to commencing her secondary studies Mariya began taking French classes. Within five years, she learned to read, write and speak French. Mariya is very proud of her journey, because she knows that she has the abilities required to continue her studies and finish high school. Today at 23, Mariya aspires to complete her studies in police technology or in the field of law.
Mélanie Meunier
Centre d’éducation des adultes Chandler-Grande-Rivière (Chandler)
Centre de services scolaire René-Levesque
Mélanie, age 41, lives in Chandler, in Gaspésie. Since adolescence, her life has been marked by many trials. At the age of 18 ,after suffering the loss of her mother, she left school and moved to Montreal where she was a victim of domestic violence for several years. In 2013, following the death of her father, Mélanie left her violent home to return to Chandler and devote herself to her two little boys. Despite health problems, Mélanie goes to school every day. With courage and resilience, she proudly moves forward towards her goals.
Olivier Boyer
Centre Gédéon-Ouimet
Centre de services scolaire de Montréal
Olivier was diagnosed with ADHD and a language disorder as a child. School was a difficult time for him, marked by experiences of bullying. Today, at 27, he is continuing his studies, determined to move forward. Olivier dreams of continuing his career at the Cégep du Vieux Montréal in art, a passion that brings him much joy and allows him to fully express himself. Olivier is proud of the path he has traveled and of the efforts he is making to achieve his goals.
Puja Kami
L’École au Carrefour, Carrefour Jeunesse-emploi Rivière-du-Nord, Centre de Formation générale des adultes – Le Pilier
Centre de services scolaire de la Rivière-du-Nord
Leaving her home country and dealing with anxiety about leaning a new language in a new country, has been a real challenge. Despite these obstacles, Puja continued her studies with remarkable perseverance. Her determination to overcome anxiety and adapt to a new environment is an inspiring example of resilience. Puja thus demonstrates how academic perseverance can transform difficulties into personal success.
Roxane Eleasse Kouassi
Centre d’éducation des adultes des Navigateurs
Centre de services scolaire des Navigateurs
Roxanne left the Côte d’Ivoire at age 13 and returned to her studies at a pre-secondary level at age 23. Showing remarkable determination Roxane has embarked on anew career path and demonstrates unwavering perseverance and commitment. This determination is an inspiring example, proving that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for success.
Sylvie Héon
Centre de formation Rimouski-Neigette
Centre de services scolaire des Phares
Due to a trying family environment Sylvie left school at the age of 15 and started working to support herself. Having always had a love of learning, Sylvie returned to her studies at the age of 53 to realize her dream of becoming a counselor. This return to her studies not only allows her to realize her personal ambitions and help others, but also to be a role model for her child. Sylvie’s return to school, despite the trials of the past, testifies to an unwavering determination and commitment to a promising future.
Tanoh Philomene Tehoua Kouaho
Centre d’éducation des adultes Jeanne-Sauvé, Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys (CSSMB)
Originally from the Ivory Coast, Tanoh began working at the age of 12. Having been a victim of domestic violence and being originally illiterate, Tanoh demonstrates a remarkable perseverance by returning to school during the day while working night shifts. Her goal of becoming a registered nurse, despite the difficulties encountered, demonstrates a determination to improve her life . Her journey is a powerful example of resilience and courage.
William Tremblay
Le Centre de formation des Bâtisseurs
Centre de services scolaire de la Beauce-Etchemin
At age 21, after going through difficult times and living in a group home, William returned to his studies. Considering his return to school as a personal challenge, he is on the verge of completing high school, which he began less than a year ago. This is a remarkable accomplishment. His dedication to his studies and his ambition to become an electronic programmer demonstrate an exceptional determination. His journey is a true model of inspiration.
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