Environmental Exchange Program Welcomes Young Nova Scotians

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Environmental Exchange Program Welcomes Young Nova Scotians

Young Nova Scotians will once again have the chance to participate in an annual work exchange program that will help create a healthier environment for communities in Central America and in Atlantic Canada.

The Environmental Leadership Program is building a team of young Nova Scotians and Newfoundlanders to join young people from Costa Rica on the project. The exchange program runs from late April to early September.

Six Nova Scotia youth, ages 19 to 25, will join counterparts from Newfoundland to work on environmental projects in Costa Rica through May and June. They will work alongside their Costa Rican peers while being hosted by local families.

The second half of the exchange program happens in July and August. The Costa Rican young people will return with their Nova Scotia partners to work on environmental projects here.

Curtis Young, of Sydney, participated in the exchange in 2003. "Little did I know just how much I would take with me from this program," he said. "I gained more from the exchange than I have from any other period in my life."

Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash says Mr. Young is an ideal example of the kind of enthusiastic young person wanted for this exchange. "This program provides young Nova Scotians the chance to learn about the environment and gain valuable work experience," he said.

Last year, applicants worked with the Sackville Rivers Association on water quality and stream restoration, and with Tree Canada providing school ground greening programs to high schools in Halifax Regional Municipality.

The Environmental Leadership Program is managed by Nova Scotia Environment and Labour. Partner organizations include the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, Clean Nova Scotia, the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Taller Internacional in Costa Rica.

Anyone interested in the program should contact the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps by phone at 902-424-4924 or by e-mail at [email protected] . Cover letters and resumes can be faxed to 902-424-3571. The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 28.