When I first applied for the position of Community Promotions Assistant with the Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services, I had never heard of the Canada Learning Bond (CLB).
My research and understanding of the Canada Learning Bond only began when I started to prepare for my interview. Through many Google searches, I came to a basic understanding that the Canada Learning Bond is a government initiative that gave low- to moderate-income families free RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan) money.
I didn’t fully appreciate the mission that my supervisor Mary Alice had set out until I began my position in early May. For a whole week, I reviewed every single Canada Learning Bond item stored on the department’s database. I began to understand the importance of the Canada Learning Bond and how few people were accessing it. A lot of work had already been completed but there was so much more to do.
This summer we attended multiple events, held info booths, provided CLB material and formed a clear and well thought-out work plan with a goal of 70% CLB participation by 2020.
I’ve held similar positions, but I’ve never been more passionate about a project until this summer. I enjoy promoting, advertising and event planning but this position helped me to see that I want to do this after I graduate. I see the Canada Learning Bond for the incredible opportunity that it is and I’ve made it my duty to relay this drive to every person I speak with. I feel I have a special passion for this because I am a university student and I wish that the Canada Learning Bond had been available while I was growing up.
The most rewarding part of this job has been meeting the people who have taken the initiative to sign-up. Through the cloud of people who don’t know about the Canada Learning Bond or haven’t had an opportunity to sign-up, there are a few that have been through the process and whose children now have a minimum of $500 in their RESP. I am overcome with happiness and pride when I meet these people. I know that those children are much more likely to reach their goals and achieve their dreams, which is the most heartwarming thought I could ever have.
Lydia Sanderson
Community Promotions Assistant
Chatham-Kent Employment and Social Services
