Youth Employability Project Recognized for Commitment

EDUCATION--Youth Employability Project Recognized for Commitment to Youth

The Youth Employability Project (YEP) will receive the 2001 Community Partners Award from the Nova Scotia Council for the Family today, March 25. The project is administered by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) and funded by Human Resources Development Canada and the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services.

"This award is particularly meaningful since it recognizes our commitment to providing quality services to youth in the Halifax Regional Municipality," said project officer Brian Aird. "The Youth Employability Project provides innovative solutions to help youth move towards self-sufficiency."

The project, launched in 1999, targets young people, aged 16 to 21, who receive social assistance or who are dependents of social assistance recipients or youth in care. It is designed to help them become more employable while they provide services in their communities. They also benefit from programs and services offered by community agencies who work with youth in various capacities.

Under this project, CEED offers peer counselling, mentoring, life training and employability skills development. These are carried out through volunteerism, one-on-one counselling, experiential (learn-by-doing) activities and community projects.

The youth take part in life planning and entrepreneurial activities and in job placements. The project helps these young people move towards self-sufficiency by becoming involved in community activities, developing tangible job-search tools and securing part or full-time employment.

"The relationship with the Youth Employability Project goes well beyond that of a traditional funding body," said Yvonne Blanchard, executive director of the Nova Scotia Council for the Family. "The partnership with the council has been a truly collaborative effort."

Recipients of the Community Partners Award have demonstrated their commitment over time, a collaborative spirit, flexibility and adaptability, and innovation.

CEED is a joint venture funded by the Department of Education and the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. The agreement is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Economic Development.

NOTE: For information on programs provided by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development, visit the Web site at www.ceed.ednet.ns.ca .