Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton today joined in the celebration of the accomplishments of students from the 2007-08 Youth Recreation Activity Worker Program at their graduation.

 

“The province of Manitoba is committed to supporting young people as they prepare for their futures,” said Ashton.  “The Neighbourhoods Alive! program has supported the development of training initiatives which empower residents and build stronger communities.”

 

Since the program began in 2001, Manitoba has supported the delivery of the Youth Recreation Activity Worker program. During this time, more than 45 inner-city youth have successfully graduated from the course. Many have found employment as youth activity workers and in related positions while others have used the program as a stepping stone to continue their education. 

 

The program was established as a partnership of Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, Red River College and the Province of Manitoba.  In this seventh year of the program, 16 students enrolled for the 10-month certificate program offered at the Red River College Princess Street campus. The program has both an academic and practicum component which takes place at Coalition of Community Based Youth Serving Agencies sites. The students have completed 28 weeks of life‑skills training and 107 hours of practicums.

 

The credits from the course can be transferred to the Red River College child and youth care diploma course which in turn can be transferred to the University of Manitoba bachelor of social work program.

 

“I wish all the graduates great success in their future and appreciate this opportunity to be a part of this celebration of learning and personal achievements,” added Ashton. 

 

Neighbourhoods Alive! (NA!) is a long-term, community-based, social and economic development strategy that supports and encourages community-driven revitalization efforts in neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Dauphin, Flin Flon, Portage, Selkirk and The Pas. The strategy focuses on key areas such as housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, and safety and crime prevention.

 

More information on the NA! program is available at www.neighbourhoodsalive.mb.ca on the province’s website.

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