Human Resources, Labour and Employment
October 1, 2010Junior
Achievement Receives Boost for Financial Literacy
The Provincial Government today announced $70,000 in
funding for Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador to improve
financial literacy among young people. The funding is made possible
through the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy for Newfoundland and
Labrador.
"Financial literacy and planning skills are a key
building block in giving young people the tools necessary for success as
they enter adulthood and prepare for the world of work," said the
Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and
Employment and Minister Responsible for Youth Engagement. "This funding
will increase access to information and resources to assist young people
throughout the province in building these valuable skills and will help
to raise awareness of the importance of financial literacy and planning
skills as they pursue their career and life goals."
In January of 2010, Junior Achievement of Newfoundland
and Labrador and the Provincial Government entered into an agreement
that would provide financial support to assist with the delivery of the
Junior Achievement program, Economics for Success, to grade nine
students in regions throughout the province.
"We applaud the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador for creating the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy and we
are delighted to be a partner in this worthwhile venture," said Jo Mark
Zurel, Chair of the Board of Directors, Junior Achievement of
Newfoundland and Labrador. "Collectively, we can work with youth to
build their capacity and ultimately the capacity of our province."
This Economics for Success program, delivered by
trained business volunteer mentors, provides students with the knowledge
and tools to make informed choices about their finances, education and
future careers. The program helps students explore and manage their job
and career choices by focusing on the direct links between further
education and personal goals. It provides students with a new
perspective on how informed choices can jump-start their future;
understand how every opportunity is a stepping stone to success; realize
the financial constraints and demands of independence; develop
employability and interpersonal effectiveness; and, identify resources
needed to support a life-long career journey.
The funding announced today to continue the Economics
for Success program brings the total Provincial Government commitment to
this program to $140,000 since 2009-10.
Creating A Province of Choice: A Youth Retention and
Attraction Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador
was launched on November 5, 2009. Developed by youth, for youth, in
close collaboration with business, labour, and community leaders, the
strategy is supported by a three-year $15 million budget and contains 41
action items that are aimed at countering the impacts of out-migration,
strengthening the labour market and supporting the economic development
of the province.
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