Katimavik and the BC Government: partners in the promotion of youth employability
Earlier this spring, Katimavik and the Government of British Columbia entered a partnership to provide a unique opportunity for youth to engage in volunteer service and gain valuable employment skills. With the help of the Ministry of Children and Family Development as well as with the Francophone Secretariat of B.C., seven youth from the province, along with two youth from Québec, were selected to participate in a special version of the Eco-citizenship and Active Living program from July 6 to December 16, 2011.
During the first two months of the program, each volunteer will work on a small host farm in Manitoba through the WWOOF (World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) program and learn about local farming, sustainable practises and scale farm production. As most local farms are situated in francophone communities, the youth from B.C. will also find themselves in an environment conducive to practising their second language. When the WWOOFing wraps up, the volunteers will then gather as a group in Fort Langley, B.C. for the remaining four months where they will work with local not-for-profit organizations in the community. Organizations such as the EverGreen Adventure Society, Langley Centennial Museum, Fort Gallery, Simpson Manor, Fort Langley National Historic Site and the Mountain View Wildlife Conservation Centre will benefit from volunteer hours over the fall season until Xmas.
Throughout their time in this program, Katimavik volunteers will learn the value of volunteer service as well as make plans for their future endeavours. Particular emphasis will be put on the integration, as a citizen, into the job market, school or other life event.
