Prairie Land is known for its rural schools and strong education model. The division is also celebrating its commitment to cultural diversity.
For years Prairie Land has developed strong ties to its nine Hutterite Colony schools and communities. “By fostering positive relationships between Hutterite colonies and Prairie Land, both sides can gain a better understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture, leading to greater acceptance and respect,” said Superintendent Cam McKeage.
More recently the division welcomed Hope Christian School and Al-Amal Academy—two faith based schools that almost doubled Prairie Land’s student population. Initially the addition of these two new schools, was to help increase the division’s viability and protect its small rural schools. “Prairie Land is incredibly proud as to how it has not only protected our small rural schools but also the level to which they are thriving,” says McKeage, adding if the division became too small there was serious concern that the schools would not re ceive the attention they needed.
“By fostering positive relationships between Hutterite colonies and Prairie Land, both sides can gain a better understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture, leading to greater acceptance and respect,”
Cam McKeage
The faith based programs offered by Hope Christian and Al-Amal provide an important educational environment for their families. “These two schools create opportunity for both religious and cultural diversity and inclusion of all Prairie Land students and families.” While still following the government’s curriculum requirements, Al-Amal students also receive one to two blocks of Islamic Studies, Quran Studies and Arabic Language per day. The students also take part in afternoon prayer. Hope Christian also provides Christian specific courses as well as integrates discussions of faith and God into some of their regular classes. It is important to note, that not all students who attend Hope Christian do so for its religious aspects. For many, it’s online platform meets the needs of many families with unique situations. “Having my children participate in a faith based online school is very supportive to my educational goals for my family. My values are being upheld and my teenagers can find freedom and acceptance in an environment that aligns with their worldview,” J. Hall, a parent at Hope Christian. Students receive a strong education, while celebrating their unique cultures, both of which Prairie Land is proud.
