Matawa Education & Care Centre - Thunder Bay, Ontario

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Concerns about Matawa Student Care Centre

I worked at Matawa Students Care Centre for over a year and was deeply troubled by the unprofessional environment and questionable practices. The executive leadership lacks adequate qualifications, with the Executive Director holding only a Grade 8 education and the Education Director possessing an ECE certificate.

During my tenure, I witnessed alarming incidents, including:

- Multiple child deaths due to suicide or overdose
- Frequent substance abuse and suicide attempts among students
- Inadequate academic support, with some students pushed through school despite poor attendance
- Unqualified staff administering medications and providing counseling

When I raised concerns about a student's rapid academic progress, I was dismissed with "we need the numbers." This emphasis on quantity over quality is disturbing.

With $16 million in annual government funding, I expected more accountability. The organization's graduation statistics are alarming – only 16 students graduated this year, costing taxpayers $1 million per student.

I strongly advise against working with or entrusting children to this organization due to its:

1. Unqualified leadership
2. Inadequate staffing
3. Prioritization of numbers over student well-being
4. Mismanagement of public funds

Keith Debassige

It was highly recognized that staff and students are confident in the work and studies that they are involved in.

James Wilkinson

Great place to work and support Indigenous Youth who want to thrive and excell.

Onlý Zemø

... Friend went there

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