Project Name:              By Youth, For Youth

Project Summary:      By Youth, For Youth Centre will provide a comprehensive, culturally-appropriate Aboriginal youth service which will enhance the capacity of Aboriginal youth to achieve success in their personal, academic and career pursuits. The youth center provides specialized programming in the areas of recreation, academic support, career counselling, leadership development, and peer support and life skills. The youth staff team work in conjunction with the youth council to ensure the voice of the youth is heard and is driving the project planning.

Anticipated Results:  The following results are expected:

Ø      Strengthening of our working relationship with local First Nations organizations as we work together in the best interests of the local Aboriginal youth with a view to reducing youth violence

Ø      Youth will have increased capacity regarding cooking, shopping, food groups and safety skills within the kitchen. Youth will be able to contribute meals to their home through participation in the cooking kitchen

Ø      Youth can explore and experience other choices that they may have in their life by participating in activities at the centre such as recreation, workshops and/or volunteering and more

Ø      Youth will have increased knowledge of self, culture and awareness of the territory they belong to or live in, this has the ability to instil a sense of pride and belonging for our young people

Ø      Staff training will increase the capacity of staff to stay relevant to youth needs, interests and challenges and better able to support their ability to succeed.

Ø      Youth training will provide increased opportunities for youth to contribute and utilize their skills in a workplace, Youth Council, Peer Support

Ø      Youth councils ability to manage, lead and guide the services and programs will increase through their experiences, education, and confidence in the practice of being part of council, its order, process and role at the centre

Ø      Youth and children will have a sense of direction and hope for the ability to participate in the future labour market

Ø      Summer students will be mentored to serve as role-models to those coming behind them in the education system and will leave with increased knowledge and understanding of the true challenges young Aboriginal children and youth face today in this millennium and better able to respond to their needs

Ø      Staff will have a clearer picture of Aboriginal Youth Challenges and needs from the consultation and youth councils voice

Ø      150 children and youth will have participated in the soccer league.