UFV completes School of Education in Mission

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MISSION – An $8 million revitalization of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Mission campus is expected to relieve capacity pressure at the institution’s Abbotsford location, according to executives.

The now-completed two-storey facility, which is expected to include teacher and early childhood education programs, will feature a new library, community spaces on the main floor, and classrooms “equipped with progressive technology.”

“I am so pleased to see UFV establish a stronger presence in one of the core communities that we serve,” UFV president Joanne MacLean said.

“The university is grateful to government for its support of this important project that will help us continue our mission of engaging learners, transforming lives and building community.”

Funded through provincial and UFV contributions, the campus also features a sensory room, lounge areas for students, and faculty offices on the second floor.

The local Stó:lō community will be honoured with artwork and carvings in several spaces throughout the facility.

UFV’s Mission campus is located on the territory of the Stó:lō and is directly adjacent to the former site of the Pekw’Xe:yles Residential School (formerly known as St. Mary’s Indian Residential School).

“The upgraded campus will bring new opportunities to people living in and near Mission who want to train in the high-demand field of education,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

Close to 105 students join the education program annually, which has produced nearly 1,000 graduates who now teach in the Fraser Valley. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is now in its 30th year, with approximately 850 graduates working in the region.