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KINGSTON, ONTARIO—The Honourable Peter
Milliken, Member of Parliament for
Kingston and the Islands, welcomed the announcement of the Honourable Jane
Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, for funding
of $250,855, through Youth Service Canada (YSC), to the Kingston
Youth Shelter.
Under
this project, the Kingston Youth Shelter will provide 12 at-risk
youth with the opportunity to acquire employment skills through
practical experience working with community partners.
Participants will help local non-profit organizations in
activities such as refurbishing a meeting space used by various
non-profit groups, implementing a community garden, painting a mural
at their facility and hosting a barbecue for street youth each week
in the summer months. Participants
will help develop and present life skills workshops aimed at
homeless youth, and a user-friendly life skills manual.
“Through
this project, participants will have the opportunity to address
multiple barriers to employment and will gain the skills and
experience they will need to become employed,” said Mr. Milliken.
“At-risk youth will get a chance to help the community
while developing life skills for the future.”
YSC
develops work opportunities for youth who face greater barriers to
entering the labour market through participation in community
service projects. Young
people (normally 30 and under) who are unemployed, out of school and
legally entitled to work in Canada can participate.
YSC projects challenge young people to invest their time,
energy and expertise in their communities.
Through meaningful service projects designed and implemented
by experienced community-based groups, young people acquire valuable
job and life skills while strengthening their sense of
accomplishment and attachment to their community.
This
project supports the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment
Strategy to help youth make the transition from school to work and
get their first job, in partnership with businesses,
non‑governmental organizations, communities and other levels
of government. The
Strategy offers a three-pronged approach to addressing youth
employment issues: it provides work experience opportunities for
unemployed or underemployed youth and students; provides access to
relevant information on Canada’s labour market; and facilitates
access to learning.
Funding
for this project was provided for in the February 2000 Budget and is
therefore built into the existing financial framework.
This
project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the
Department’s improved administration of its grant and contribution
programs.
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PROJECT
SUMMARY
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Government of Canada
funding: $250,855 through the Youth Service Canada program
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Number of participants:
12
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Total project cost:
$250,855
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Objective: give at-risk
youth an opportunity to acquire employment skills and gain
practical experience
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For more information:
Janet Coe,Human Resources Development Canada
(613) 545-8976
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