The Provincial Government recognizes the value of community level approaches to learning with a $60,000 grant to support the continued operation of the Community Education Network of Southwestern Newfoundland (CEN). Community education is about people learning to use a variety of resources to encourage participation and engagement in their community. With this latest investment, the Provincial Government provided the CEN with a total of $120,000 in funding in 2007-08.

"Government values the important role that the Community Education Network of Southwestern Newfoundland plays in co-ordinating services to individuals and families in the areas of literacy, career and employment services, youth programs, and community leadership," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Their approach is based on fostering partnerships across groups so that people can learn new ways and means to become more involved in finding local solutions that can benefit everyone in the community."

The CEN is involved in several strategic activities. It supports prevention and early intervention practices to promote literacy success for preschoolers. Through the Communities in School program, the CEN in conjunction with the Community Youth Network offers a variety of youth programming in the areas of mentoring, help with homework, health education, counseling and enterprise education. In several communities, the CEN supports access to career and employment services. The CEN is also involved in promoting community participation, a community literacy strategy and leadership.

"This investment by the Department of Human Resources Labour and Employment will ensure that the Community Education Network can continue to support families, individuals and communities to continue on a Lifelong Learning Path, using programs that have proven to be very successful," said Sharon Park, Executive Director, Community Education Network. "We look forward to a continued partnership with the Provincial Government to build community capacity".

"Education is a critical component to our success as individuals and our overall success, both economically and socially, as a province," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "As such, it is important that we continue to support agencies like the Community Youth Network and the outstanding service it provides to our young people."

Originally founded in 1991 as the Port au Port Community Education Initiative, the CEN is an umbrella organization that facilitates partnerships between social, economic, education, and funding agencies. Today, it coordinates community learning across three associate organizations: the Community Youth Network, the Community Action Committee and Community in Schools Program. It aims to involve people of all ages in community learning to foster positive community change.

"Our government is strongly committed to helping people access the resources they need to build a better community, and a stronger future for themselves and their families," said Minister Skinner.

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