Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 4, 2008

Province Supports Recognizing and Nurturing Talent Program for Youth

The Williams Government is continuing its strong commitment in assisting young people to succeed in education and employment. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Newfoundland and Labrador are receiving a $90,205 grant to support the Recognizing and Nurturing Talent (RANT) pilot program in Buckmaster�s Circle and Bell Island.

"This program will encourage young people, including children and adolescents, to stay actively engaged and complete their high school education," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.  "The opportunities today are tremendous and this program will help youth better understand the career options available to them in the province and form a stronger connection to a future career."

The inspiration for the RANT program arose from a focus group session conducted with youth from the Boys and Girls Club in the Buckmaster�s Circle area.  Youth expressed concern about a lack of personal motivation, low self-esteem, limited knowledge of available opportunities and career choices and negative peer associations.  The RANT pilot program is designed to reduce and eliminate these barriers.  Sixty children and 60 adolescents are expected to participate in the program this year.

"We are so excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our members," says Jackie McIsaac, Provincial Co-ordinator.  "The Recognizing and Nurturing Talent program is designed to assist in developing individual education and work plans for our youth which will provide them with a clearer vision for their future.  We are very grateful to the Provincial Government for their continued support of the Boys and Girls Clubs in this province."

RANT addresses the needs of both pre-adolescent children and adolescents.  The first program component recognizes that younger children can benefit from early intervention which enables greater understanding of the importance of education and work.  Children will be encouraged to develop positive life and social skills while increasing their awareness of education and career goals.  The adolescent program will provide access to dedicated resources and supports to help young people develop and implement a realistic plan for long-term success.  This program component includes goal setting sessions, an evaluation of education and work needs, career counseling, tutoring and academic support, and employment readiness development.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John's is a youth-serving, non-profit, charitable organization. The clubs provides versatile programs that meet the needs of today�s youth while aiding in the social, emotional, educational, and physical development of children.

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Media contacts:

Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jackie McIsaac
Provincial Coordinator
Boys and Girls Clubs of
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-722-5556, 682-0962
jmcisaac@nfld.net

2008 04 04                                                      10:45 a.m.


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