NLIS 1
May 16, 2005
(Innovation, Trade and Rural Development)
Getting the Message
Out Classroom Kit launched today
The Department of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development, with the support of the Department of
Education, launched the Getting the Message Out (GMO) Classroom Kit
today at Holy Trinity High School in Torbay. The kit has been
developed to assist students in gaining a positive and realistic
view of our provincial economy and the wealth of opportunity
available in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"It is essential our students know about opportunities available to
them before making important decisions about the future," said Kathy
Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.
"Educating our youth about the many private sector good news stories
in this province allows us to introduce them to the concepts of
entrepreneurism and innovative thinking when considering options for
their future. This kit is an effective and informative way to
achieve that goal."
During the past two years, the Department of Innovation, Trade and
Rural Development has interviewed teachers and guidance counsellors
in schools across the province about effective teaching tools that
encourage creativity and entrepreneurship. Educating youth on the
diversity of our economy and the tremendous potential for economic
development in this province were two key areas identified.
"Ensuring students are aware of a multitude of available career
options upon leaving the provincial school system is a critical
component of our curriculum," said Tom Hedderson, Minister of
Education. "I applaud the creation of this kit and commend the
Getting the Message Out program for recognizing the positive
implications of exposing our students to this province�s business
success stories. Furthering their education about the diversity and
innovation happening right now in our provincial economy will
benefit Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow."
The GMO Classroom Kit consists of a DVD module featuring local
entrepreneurs, business owners and employees discussing a variety of
topics relevant to business and is geared towards generating
discussion around specific topics. Also included in the kit is a
Case Studies Module comprising ten company profiles, with business
owners discussing current issues facing their enterprises,
challenges they�ve overcome and the rewards they�ve reaped from
starting and operating a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. In
addition, a Teacher�s Guide is included in the kit and complements
the materials presented in the DVD and the Case Studies by outlining
ways to build on the discussions.
"I am very pleased that Holy Trinity High was chosen to launch this
very important educational tool," said Jack Byrne, MHA for Cape St.
Francis and Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. "These
students were a part of the pilot program and participated in the
creation of the GMO kit. This program will expose our youth to the
possibilities that exist here in Newfoundland and Labrador. As long
as they have creativity and drive, anything is possible.
This indeed will be a great benefit to all students in making
decisions for their future careers."
The GMO Classroom Kits will be distributed to schools throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2005-2006 school year.
Additional information on the GMO
program is available at
//www.gmo.nl.ca
Media contact:
Lynn Evans, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570,
690-6290
2005 05 16
10:00 a.m. |