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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
October 1, 2010

Junior 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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Media contacts:

Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca
Sandra Patterson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador
753-9533
spatterson@janl.org

2010 10 01                                                    1:05 p.m.


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