Summer Enrichment Program Enjoys Great Success

Young newcomers to the province have spent several weeks developing their English literacy and numeracy skills as well as making connections with their community through the second annual Summer Enrichment Program for Immigrant Youth. The program received $24,000 in Provincial Government funding and is the result of a partnership between the Department of Education and the Association for New Canadians. It is designed for youth aged 12 to 19.

�The response to the program has been very positive,� said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. �Students are from such places as Bhutan, Bosnia, Liberia, Sudan and Myanmar and they have enjoyed many activities and field trips that are helping them become more familiar with their new environment and the community in which they live. It�s a fun and interactive way for the students to get to know their new home and learn a new language.�

The program stems from the Provincial Immigration Strategy which was launched in March 2007 and has 18 goals, many of which relate to increasing and enhancing settlement and integration services for newcomers in order to improve the retention rate of immigrants who arrive in the province.

�I strongly support the efforts of the Department of Education and the Association for New Canadians in helping immigrant youth enhance their academic skills while enjoying recreational and social activities,� said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. �This initiative supports both the Provincial Immigration Strategy and the Policy on Multiculturalism by encouraging newcomers to learn and play together.�

The program has grown from 17 students last year to 27 this summer.

�I commend the Department of Education for supporting a summer enrichment program for immigrant youth. Supports of this nature are critical in helping young newcomers to better adapt to school and life in Canadian society,� said Bridget Foster, Executive Director of the Association for New Canadians. �Last year, this program helped 17 students, who showed a marked improvement in their academic performance in the 2009 school year. I am delighted to see programming and partnerships of this nature.�

The summer program is receiving enthusiastic encouragement from the local community. Supporters include Ches's Fish and Chips, Hava Java, Johnny Ruth, Living Planet, Jumping Bean Coffee, Maverick Sports, Ballistic, Read to Ride Literacy Program, St. John's Clean and Beautiful and Holy Heart Safe Grad Committee. The program is staffed by two teachers, a co-ordinator and a number of very willing volunteers.

�Partnerships such as these with community organizations are important to promoting multiculturalism and enhancing education for immigrant students,� said Minister King. �I congratulate everyone involved and wish the students every success as they return to school in September.�

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2009 08 04                                10:15 a.m.