Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue proudly announced June 4 that five more Native students were awarded Attestations of Collegial Studies in becoming Community Health Representatives (CHR).

Last December the program graduated its first two students and now five more have successfully completed their studies.

Alice and Sylvie Jerome of Lac Simon, Hazel Georgekish of Wemindji and Stanley Gilpin and Ena Weapenicappo, both of Eastmain, all finished the 18-month training program at the Val-d’Or campus as well as their internships in respective communities. These graduates are now ready for the workforce and fully capable of facilitating healthcare within their communities.

“We are very proud of what you have accomplished. You have succeeded in spite all the difficulties you met, such as living far from your community and balancing studies and family,” said Val-d’Or campus director Marc Bertrand at the graduation ceremony.

An additional seven students are expected to graduate from the program in January 2012.

The Nation would like to congratulate all of the CHR graduates on their efforts in succeeding in the program and wish them the best of luck in their new careers, delivering healthcare services to the people in their respective communities.