Mr. Speaker, youth are our future and a clear priority of this Assembly. I rise to report on a highly successful program, that of the Northern Youth Abroad charitable organization. Through the considerable hard work of many, many volunteers, this dedicated group promotes leadership, cross-cultural awareness, individual career goals and international citizenship to our youth across the Northwest Territories.
Northern Youth Abroad helps youth aged 15 to 21 to understand themselves and their personal cultural strengths and context within the Canadian and global societies. It provides a life-changing experience that’s designed specifically to address the needs and aspirations of Northern youth.
NYA’s unique model of education through work and travel is highly effective, stimulates increased education and contributes to a new generation of leaders for northern communities. Over 90 per cent of Northern Youth Abroad alumni have graduated from high school, with many in post-secondary education and some already leaders in their home community.
In 2005, its first year in the N.W.T., Northern Youth Abroad was 100 per cent funded by this government. However, it is on track to reducing the need for government support up to 25 per cent by 2009. This year they are counting on only 33 per cent funding from the G.N.W.T., this while increasing the number of youth participants.
I commend the Ministers of Education, Culture and Employment and Municipal and Community Affairs for their wise investment in the Northern Youth Abroad program. The organization has proven worthy, attracting support from industry, the non-profit sector, local businesses and aboriginal governments. Our key support provides the leverage needed for ongoing support from these partners. This year over 50 youths from throughout the N.W.T. applied for 16 spaces in the Northern Youth Abroad program, reflecting both the need for and response to their innovative and relevant work.
So let’s ensure that this government continues to support the participation of our youth in this highly successful and territorial-wide program. The need is clear, and the return to our communities is huge. Mahsi.
