CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Provincial government gives youth a voice in decisions that affect them to help make progress on initiatives that are focussed on their future success.
“Hearing directly from young Islanders has made all the difference in helping government move forward on a variety of initiatives that are improving our education system, our economy, our cultural sectors and more,” said Sonny Gallant, the minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning.
“These efforts show how we are the Mighty Island when we use our small size and interconnectedness to our advantage, working closely together to focus on making big things happen,” he added.
Input from the Youth Futures Council and annual YDAY events will help build a more skilled workforce, enhance entrepreneurship, and recruit and retain a talented and productive population.
· Expansion of the Graduate Mentorship Program, which has supported 275 young people with job placements this fiscal year
· Creation of the Career Connect program, which helps more than 800 P.E.I. university students receive Employment Insurance benefits while studying
· Expansion of the Community Service Bursary, with 200 students participating annually and about $300,000 provided to Island students over the last three years.
After youth voice their opinions, a number of new initiatives are underway:
· Surveying Islanders off the province and ways to bring them back
· Expanding the Team Seafood program to create Farm Team P.E.I., a work experience and bursary program for high school students working in the Island’s food sector
· Improving experiential education and work-integrated learning at UPEI
· Revamping the student business program to meet the evolving needs of youth starting a business
· Facilitate a discussion with entrepreneurial organizations to develop a mentoring program for new businesses
"It is such a fulfilling and rewarding experience to listen to our peers and take action on their concerns and the issues they face,” said Nicole Mountain, member of the Youth Futures Council.
She continued, “Island youth have a voice, and as the Youth Futures Council, we want to ensure those voices are heard. YDAY helps us make effective recommendations to government that reflect the thoughts of young Islanders.
“This has already opened the door for conversations regarding housing, retention and employment opportunities, with even more to come."
The Youth Futures Council will present their findings and recommendations to the Learning Partners Advisory Council to provide feedback to leaders in education on P.E.I.