No’kmaq Village is starting up a program for Mi'kmaq youth nearing high school graduation or who have graduated but not yet moved on to post-secondary or employment.
In a prepared release, Chief Liz LaSaga said this is a preparatory program to help youth become more ready for the world as successful contributors to society.
Through training, coaching and experiential learning in life, work and community, youth will be guided to raise their standards as they gain essential skills, knowledge and leadership development.
LaSaga said this program is new to the province and will have eight positions available.
She said based on a decade of listening to parents and employers stating youth are not ready for the world, she reported the need at the Premier’s Way Forward meetings.
Since then, LaSaga said she has been heard the same observations from leaders/stakeholders across the province with reports youth lack sufficient capacities in a number of subjective areas.
She said this is a program to meet the needs of youth and serve as a pilot to the Newfoundland and Labrador government, demonstrating how a sufficient finishing program is necessary pending high school graduation.
LaSaga will be personally facilitating this program.
The first level of the program will involve bi-weekly training sessions in Flat Bay from February to June with each youth required to being at least one youth/peer from his/her community to the sessions.
The second level involves coaching though simulated learning home assignments; and the third involves coaching through experimental learning for eight weeks throughout the summer with paid employment in Flat Bay.
The program, funded through a contribution from Grants to Youth Organizations Newfoundland and Labrador, is eligible to Mi’kmaq Youth from Bay St. George South to Port au Port Peninsula currently attending Level 2 or 3 or have graduated in the last two years from high school without going to post-secondary.
Apply by sending a letter to Chief Liz LaSaga from the youth and parent(s)/guardian(s) explaining why both feel this program would be a benefit to the youth. State the parent’s commitment to support and monitor the youth through completing the life skill activities assigned.
Pay and other:
$100 Chequing/savings account deposit
$75 per monthly workshop session
Eight weeks employment summer of 2018 at minimum wage
Cultural and workshops supplies provided
Gifts, awards, prizes
Completion bonus of $500
Unique experiences, valuable job experience, certifications and significant memories
Upon successful completion, the youth will be prioritized for additional paid employment and/or programming with the Flat Bay Band Inc. within the year.
An identified career plan and funding options
Source: Chief Liz LaSaga