Funding increased for program to assist youth with low literacy rates

A program for high at-risk youth shows such promise that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has doubled its funding.

Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE), is pleased that the Choices for Youth is receiving $20,700 to support their Youth at Promise Challenge program. These efforts target high at-risk youth who have very low literacy levels. The program�s objective is to improve these youth�s literacy so that they can qualify for entry into other employment and education programming.

�Participants in the Youth at Promise Challenge program face a number of barriers, including living in poverty,� said Minister Shelley. �We are working on a poverty reduction strategy and in the meantime are taking concrete action. This includes increasing funding for a program such as this that can make a difference in young peoples� lives.�

�As a government, we are committed to working with all our partners in improving our province�s literacy levels and we take this responsibility very seriously,� said Education Minister Joan Burke. �We must continue our efforts to develop an environment which promotes literacy for all people. It is well-documented that those with literacy skills have access to more opportunities and are better able to participate in, and contribute to, their communities.�

The Youth at Promise Challenge program ran as a pilot in 2003-04. In 2004-05, the Department of HRLE provided funding of $10,000, and the program has received a positive evaluation by a third party.

�The Youth at Promise Challenge Program re-introduces learning into the lives of youth for whom there are no accessible options in the areas of employment and education,� said Paul Donovan of the Community Youth Network. �By providing a flexible environment of support, the program succeeds in assisting youth to move on to opportunities formally closed to them.�

�I am very pleased with the excellent community work by Choices for Youth and am proud that the Community Youth Network is being supported by government. I will continue to do all that I can to support work being done to assist youth in the area,� added Shawn Skinner, MHA for St. John�s Centre.

This funding is one of a number of initiatives taken by government to support young persons, such as the Stay in School Incentive Allowance to encourage youth to complete high school, and the continued tuition freeze at public post-secondary institutions.

Media contact:

Alex Marland, Human Resources, Labour and Employment, (709) 729-4062, 690-6047
Jacquelyn Howard, Education, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624
Paul Donovan, Community Youth Network, (709) 754-0536
Shawn Skinner, MHA St. John�s Centre, (709) 729-3417

2005 12 09                     11:25 a.m.