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.


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