Nunavik announces initiative to keep youth in school

Nunavik is launching a new stay-in-school initiative to address the high dropout rates across the northern Quebec region. Called Esuma — roughly translated as “thinking” in Inuktitut — the project will involve partners such as the Kativik School Board, Makivik Corp, regional broadcaster Taqramiut Nipingat Inc, the Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec, and the 2 major mining companies that operate in the region, among others. The goal of Esuma is not necessarily improving graduation rates, but on creating an interest in school and education. “Whenever we talk about success rate among our students, the first thing they see is this big mountain that no one is able to climb,” said project coordinator Elias Moukannas, “We want the focus to be on working hard and achieving goals. And if we all focus on a good quality education, maybe they’ll want to stay in the region.” Esuma officially launches in January with a call for projects, which will be developed by individual communities and organizations. Nunatsiaq Online