A recent funding investment from the Ministry of Education has sparked a remarkable collaboration within the Durham District School Board, marking an additional chapter in experiential learning for students enrolled in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program.
In 2024-25, the Ministry allocated targeted funding to school boards offering PSW programs, specifically for the purchase of medical equipment, supplies, and instructional resources. The goal: to ensure students graduate with the hands-on skills and confidence needed to thrive in diverse care settings.
In Durham, this investment was the catalyst for an innovative partnership between Durham Continuing Education (DCE) and the nearby Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS). Recognizing both the proximity and complementary strengths of the two institutions, Chris Barrowclough (Vice Principal at DCE) and Nina Uwagbai (PSW Instructor) envisioned a unique enhancement to the PSW training environment—an on-site, replicated model bathroom.
The vision was to create a space mirroring the real-world conditions PSWs encounter in private residences and healthcare facilities—complete with essential accessibility features. The intent: to provide students with an immersive, hands-on learning environment where they could safely practice mobility and patient transfer techniques in a realistic setting.
Turning vision into reality required teamwork, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success. The idea was met with immediate enthusiasm by DASS leadership and staff. Brad Fox, Technical Education Teacher at DASS, brought the concept to life. Together with his students, Brad led the design and construction process directly within the DCE learning space. Over the course of a week, students installed framing, flooring, and a range of key fixtures, including a toilet, tub, vanity, and safety supports—demonstrating their craftsmanship while adapting to real-time feedback and evolving needs.
The result is a purpose-built training hub that stands as both a functional classroom tool and a symbol of inter-school collaboration. It offers future PSW students a more enriched and authentic learning experience—one that fosters not just technical ability, but also empathy, situational awareness, and confidence.
Durham Continuing Education extends sincere gratitude to all involved in making this vision a reality. This initiative highlights what is possible when funding, creativity, and collaboration come together.
Shared with permission from Durham Continuing Education