|
|
|
|
| TODAY'S NEWS | SEARCH THE NEWSROOM | NEWS BY MINISTRY |
Toronto School Boards and Government Expanding Opportunities For Youth
TORONTO, June 6 /CNW/ - Toronto youth living in priority neighbourhoods
will have new and enhanced community programs, employment opportunities and
leadership activities through their local schools this summer, announced
Education Minister Kathleen Wynne today.
"We are moving forward together to keep schools open and expand
opportunities for youth this summer," said Wynne. "The McGuinty government
asked for a proposal from two Toronto school boards and I am pleased to invest
in these positive activities for our youth using our schools as a community
hub."
<<
The Ministry of Education is providing the Toronto District School Board
and Toronto Catholic District School Board with $4 million this summer to:
- Reduce or eliminate fees for community organizations who want to
provide new or expanded programs - such as basketball clinics, art
classes and recreational camps - in school facilities
- Hire hundreds of youth for programs being run in schools
- Start or expand leadership programs that offer students opportunities
to learn and develop skills through youth discussion, outdoor
education experiences and mentorships.
It is expected that more than 150 schools will host new or expanded
programs this summer.
The overall goals are:
- Improving the quality of life for youth who normally have limited
access to learning and recreational activities during the summer
- Creating jobs for youth
- Strengthening youth leadership
- Improving the way community groups organize activities and work
together.
>>
"We are aiming to reach out to 20,000 children and young adults this
summer," said Bruce Davis, Toronto District School Board trustee and chair of
the summer program steering committee. "I am thrilled at the Minister's
leadership on this issue and we are working closely with our partners at the
Toronto Catholic school board to make this happen. I am absolutely thrilled."
"This is a great step forward to address the needs of students in
priority neighbourhoods," said Catherine LeBlanc-Miller, Toronto Catholic
District School Board trustee and member of the summer program steering
committee. "We are pleased to be working with our community partners and the
government to provide young people with positive choices during the summer."
For additional information on the opportunities available for youth or to
apply as a community group for access to space, call the Toronto District
School Board at 416-397-2400 and the Toronto Catholic District School Board at
416-222-8282 Ext. 5314.
"I want to thank all of our community, education and government partners
who are working with us to find solutions that will help students succeed
during the school year and over the summer months," added Wynne. "Together, we
are creating a safe, fun and supportive environment where students can develop
into our next generation of community leaders."
<<
Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.ontario.ca/progress
>>
-30-
For further information: Michelle Despault, Minister's Office, Ministry of Education, (416) 212-3747; Patricia MacNeil, Communications Branch, Ministry of Education, (416) 325-2676; Public Inquiries, (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514, TTY: 1-800-263-2892; Bruce Davis, Trustee, Toronto District School Board, (416) 520-1972; Suzanne Leduc, Manager, Media and Issues Management, Toronto District School Board, (416) 397-3849; Catherine LeBlanc-Miller, Trustee, Toronto Catholic District School Board, (416) 452-0571; Mary Jo Deighan, Communication Coordinator, Toronto Catholic District School Board, (416) 229-5331
Other news releases disseminated by this ministry
