Youth Returning From Costa Rica

Youth from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador will return from Costa Rica with more knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm to make a difference in environmental stewardship thanks to the Environmental Leadership Program.

The program is designed to provide leadership opportunities, environmental education experience and cultural awareness to youth age 19 to 25.

"It is important for the next generation of leaders to see first-hand what other countries are doing to promote environmental awareness," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "When youth return from Costa Rica they will volunteer in local communities to promote stewardship through projects with community environmental groups."

While in Costa Rica, participants live with a host family for eight weeks and receive training in language, culture and local environmental issues.

"The experiences that I have had in Costa Rica will help me to look at things in a different context," said Magan Polichuk, program participant. "When I return to Canada, I will apply my knowledge and experience to my work here and hopefully make a difference."

The Environmental Leadership Program is a partnership between the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada World Youth, and Association Ambiental VIDA in Costa Rica.

For more information on the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps or the Environmental Leadership Program, see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla/youth .