The Youth and Ecological Restoration Program (YER) has received additional funds to further support its work with Comox Valley youth.
Since 2004, YER has brought 175 youth together with over 90 Comox Valley groups to preserve and restore the ecological integrity of our community.
The accomplishments of YER youth and receipt of the additional funds from Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) will be celebrated March 17 at Glacier View Learning Centre from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pizza, cake and other refreshments will be provided; everyone is welcome.
The increased MCFD funds will allow YER to conduct the second phase of the program. YERII was originally funded from 2007 to 2009 by the Vancouver Foundation to provide further opportunities for graduates from the first phase of the program.
YERII objectives include supplementary knowledge in employment experience, personal confidence, and communication and life skills. Each project connects two youth with adult mentors to build on the teamwork and cooperation values introduced in YERI.
YERII completion requires that the two youth co-facilitate a guided tour of their project.
YER has a 95-per-cent completion rate for youth who are not fitting into mainstream education and employment training services for a variety of reasons.
Exposing youth to their social and ecological community creates an opening for them to observe a whole new world of possibilities. This experience inspires youth to feel that they possess potential to make a difference for themselves, their families and their community.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate with YER on March 17 from 11 to 1. Presentations will be made by youth participants and by representatives from community organizations.
Glacier View Learning Centre is at 241 Beecher Pl. To find it, turn left at the Ryan/Back Road intersection, then turn right on Centennial Drive.
For more information contact Wendy Kotilla at wkotilla@shaw.ca or 250-336-8487.
— Youth and Ecological Restoration Program