The province of Manitoba has implemented a youth program called the Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Experience Program, which encourages students to improve on their academics, get involved in their community and overcome tough obstacles in their lives to become the best they can be – and in the end, they are rewarded!

What it’s all about…

Working closely with their teachers, students are evaluated and tested for about three and a half months in the following areas;

1. Attendance: The student should arrive to class on time and attend them on a regular basis.

2. Academics: He or she should be productive during class and complete schoolwork on time and with effort.

3. Commitment to Self: The youth should take responsibility for their actions and their education, and work towards achieving a healthy lifestyle.

4. Commitment to Others: The young person must be respectful and helpful towards others.

(ICANDOIT.ca)

Rewards

Over the course of the three and a half months, if the students are showing improvement in the previous areas, they are rewarded with a prize. For those who show the greatest improvement of all the participants, they can receive one of the top prizes:

• Lunch at Government House: Students will have the chance to eat lunch at the Government House, and will have their certificate and other rewards given to them at that time.
• Lunch with RCMP Officer: Some students will have the chance to eat lunch with a local RCMP officer and engage in an activity organized by the police officer. They will also have a certificate and other rewards given to them at this time.

(ICANDOIT.ca)

In addition, a $1000 bursary will be awarded to the student who has proved him or herself to be the most improved student in the program.

“To everyone who made it possible, thanks! I had a lot of fun and I learned a lot,” said one of the top students who participated. “I believe I’ve really grown…”

For more details and information about this program in Manitoba, check out ICANDOIT.ca. To read about the eligibility requirements for the program, click here! A list of the schools in Manitoba who have been invited to participate in this program can be found on this website. You can also talk to teachers in your school or a guidance councilor for more information!

Links

ICANDOIT.ca

Photo by Deal.org

Senior year! Don’t you just love this word? The sound of it, the meaning of it… Yes, many of you are now entering your last year of high school, and you have a good reason to be excited. You will be the king or queen of the school, the one the younger students will look up to! Plus, the end of high school also brings many occasions such as graduation and prom. But not so fast, you have to get through the school year first!

You’ll always remember your last year of high school; this is why you have to make the most out of it! First, do not forget that school is your main priority. Then, get involved! This is the year for prom, yearbook and photo committees! Get out there, be inspired and make this an incredible experience for everyone!

Also, since the end is coming, it is the best time to bond with your fellow classmates. It would be a great idea to ask your teachers or school principal about creating a special activity council aimed at developing activities specifically for senior students (eHow)! For example, you could have Olympic Games including a softball tournament, a “potato sack race,” a camping week-end, a trip to an amusement park, etc.

There are many different ways to make your last year of high school the best year yet. Seize the opportunity to make this a memorable experience for all the other seniors and yourself.

Links

Ehow – Fun activities for high school seniors
Ehow – Activities for high school seniors

Photo by spaktography on Flickr

“They were promised they were going to a more abundant place. They were promised that they would remain in one community. They were promised that they could leave and return to their home communities after two years if they were unhappy…we’re apologizing for promises that were made and not kept.” – John Duncan (CBC).

Between 1934 and 1959, hundreds of Inuit people had their lives disturbed and dug up from their home in Inukjuak, Québec (among other areas) and relocated to Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord in Nunavut – thousands of kilometers into Canada’s arctic region. In mid-August, Indian Affairs Minister John Duncan made a formal apology to the families of those who were affected during this difficult and frustrating time (The Globe and Mail).

As Duncan made his apology, many faces were staring back at him eager to hear his words. “The government of Canada deeply regrets the mistakes and broken promises of this dark chapter of our history and apologizes for the High Arctic relocation having taken place,” he said (The Globe and Mail). The audience – of residents from the northern communities who were flown in – politely clapped and expressed thanks (CBC). But when someone stood up and began reading the list of names of all who had died in the relocation, many peoples’ true emotions were put on display as they remembered the difficult times. “It was just the most desolate place on earth,” said John Amagoalik, who was six years old when he and his family were relocated, “they were practically prisoners in their own community” (The Globe and Mail).

Although the reasoning behind the relocations is unclear and there are many angles from which people argue it, the government has said that the move of the Inuit people was carried out with good intentions. To see the details of the relocations during 1934 and 1959, click here. And to read about the conditions in the area of their relocation and the communities they built there, check this out. To also read a brief history, take a look at this website.

In 1996, a special fund was set up for the Inuit people, amounting to around 10 million dollars, and many Inuit people have since moved back to their hometown of Inukjuak, QC. Duncan will visit Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord, where symbolic monuments will be set up to commemorate all those who were relocated, and those who lost their lives during that time (The Globe and Mail).

In response to the apology, Mayor Sarollie Weetaluktuk concluded with, “we want to start healing from our wounds and it will [happen] — I know not just for the Inuit here in Inukjuak, but for those who live elsewhere and their descendants too. They will share their stories now. I think it will help us all” (CBC).

Links

The Globe and Mail
CBC
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

We all know how a high school education can be important in ensuring that we have a bright and promising future. Regardless of what we decide to do after high school, the time spent in school when we are teenagers is pivotal in keeping us on the right track. Sometimes our lives take a drastic turn, and certain circumstances may push us to drop out of school. Not only are we hurting our chances of developing a stable future for ourselves but we might also regret those milestone experiences we missed out on in high school. Here is some advice that may help if you are considering dropping out of school…

It’s all In the Numbers

As we know, there are no clear and straightforward reasons why youth drop out of school. It could be due to a variety of things unique to someone’s life and personal circumstances, such as problems with school, family, and work – or even for personal reasons. In a study done in 2001, 3% of 17-year-old Canadian students dropped out of school, representing over 9,000 youth. When asked why they dropped out of school, most stated that is was due to school-related reasons, such as being bored/not interested in school, having problems with school work and/or being kicked out of school, etc. (Statistics Canada).

Fortunately, youth drop-out rates within Canada are decreasing. Between 1990 and 1991 the dropout rate was at around 16.6%, and by 2006-2007 the dropout rate had decreased significantly to around 9.3% (Statistics Canada). This is a good sign!

To see a breakdown of school dropout rates (by region) in Canada as well as on the international scope, check this out. To also learn more about this, as well as characteristics of students who are at risk of dropping out, click here.

Ways You Can Seek Help…

Here are just a few ways you can help get yourself back on track if you’re having problems in school:

• Tutoring: Most high schools have tutoring services or after-school programs available for students who need extra help with their studies. If your school doesn’t offer this, there is a wide range of out-of-school tutoring organizations available (I went to a tutor in grade 9 for math, and not only did it help me improve my final grade, but the one-on-one atmosphere really allowed me fully understand what I was having difficulties with!).

Another great way to make schoolwork more fun (and one that doesn’t require you to spend money) can be to get together with peers in your class for a group study session. The smaller team environment may allow people to feel comfortable enough expressing themselves, sharing ideas and learning.

If you would like help improving your study skills, take a look at our factsheet!

• Counseling: Your school guidance counselors are there for a reason: to help students achieve success in whatever way possible. If you are having issues in school or at home and want to speak to someone privately, you can approach your school counselor. There are also counselors available in your communities, but some of them may require payment. For a free and confidential way to talk to someone, contact the Kids Help Phone. You can also go to their online forum and ask a question (anonymously) and a counselor will post a response.

Also, if you are having difficulties in school concentrating on your work, or are having problems with memory, writing, speech and/or organization, it could be due to a learning disability. Learning disabilities and dropping out of school have been shown to be linked together, and it is important to see your doctor if you feel you may have a problem. Many people have learning disabilities, and with the right help and support you can overcome this issue and be successful (Canada’s Literacy and Essential Skills Network).

• Substance Abuse Programs: If you’re having problems dealing with substance abuse and you wish to seek help in order to continue your education, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse website offers contact information for treatment services in your province or territory. Your school guidance counselor or doctor will also have helpful advice to help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you want. For substance abuse treatment facilities in your area that are suited specifically for First Nations and Inuit peoples, click here.

• Getting Involved: It can be amazing how getting involved in your school community can help make your school experience a little more enjoyable! Joining a sports team, a club, the student council, a school committee or anything alike, can help you explore areas of your school community that you otherwise may not have known you were interested in. It can be a great way to build friendships and be involved in something positive (not to mention it may look great on your resume!). Another cool idea is starting your own youth-led initiative, to spread the word about an issue you are passionate about. For ways to do so, check out our Project-Planning Guide on our website for a step-by-step tutorial. You can also read about positive youth initiatives from all around Canada!

These are just a few ways you can work at overcoming obstacles you may face, to ensure that you walk across that stage at graduation with that much-deserved diploma in your hands!

Links

Statistics Canada: “High school drop-out rate”
Statistics Canada: “Provincial Dropout Rates: Trends and Consequences”
Statistics Canada: “High School Dropouts Returning to School”
Statistics Canada: “Dropping out of High School: Definitions and Cost; October 2000″
Health Canada: “National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program”
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Composite Learning Index
Canadian Association of Independent Schools
Kids Help Phone
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada

Moving away or changing schools can be difficult. You may be leaving behind a town that you love and friends that you have known all your life, and it can be scary. Sometimes it helps not to think of it as something that is ending, but as a fresh beginning. You’re starting a brand new chapter in your life and this can sometimes be quite exciting! I still remember when I moved and had to change schools when I was 12 years old. I was really upset to be leaving my friends that I had grown up with and the home that I had lived in almost my whole life until that point. But when I got used to my new school and community, I realized that it wasn’t as bad as I thought, and I eventually developed a lot of great friendships; some of which I still have today. Regardless of your situation and how you feel about it, here is some helpful information that might make the transition a little easier.

Changing Schools & Moving Away

Changing schools or moving away for university or college can be pretty overwhelming, and can be filled with mixed emotions. You may feel scared, nervous and anxious because you don’t know what to expect, and this is okay. You can check out this website for ways to overcome your nervousness and stress of this new situation.

If you decide to move away to attend university or college in another city, it can be a big adjustment too (as it may be your first time moving away from home on your own). However, it can be something to look forward to, because you will be able to meet new people and become more independent. It can also be intimidating at times, and you may feel homesick – this is quite normal. To conquer this, it may help to stay in touch with family and friends from back home; calling once in awhile, emailing and/or using Skype or instant messaging can be a great way to stay in the loop and keep a connection with your home life (TeensHealth).

A great way to make the switch into a new school environment a little smoother is to get involved in your community by doing things such as joining a youth group, volunteering, or even attending local events. Not only will it be an enjoyable distraction, but it can be a great way to make new friends! Extracurricular activities like joining a sports team or club at school is also another awesome idea.

Take a look at this website for more information on how to deal with starting at a new school, as well as how to deal with cliques and other cool tips that will help you adjust!

Staying Safe and Healthy While Away at University/College…

Here are some safety tips provided by the University of Toronto that you can keep in mind while on campus:

• Be aware of what is going on around you. If you think you’re being followed, show it! Look behind you, cross the street, change direction and keep changing how fast you’re walking.
• Follow your instincts. If your gut tells you you’re in danger, leave quickly. Call campus security, the police or use emergency phones to get help.
• Stay in well-lit areas at night. Try to take routes that are used by other people and carry emergency cab fare.
• Don’t get into an elevator with someone who makes you uncomfortable. But if you do, get off before the door closes or at the next floor.
• Don’t provide personal information to others, especially on online communities such as Facebook. Use the privacy settings to limit who sees your profile.
• Refuse entry to your building or residence to unknown people. If they persist, direct them to someone in charge.
• Use the buddy system. Let someone know where you are and when you expect to be home if you’re out late at night or stay with someone you know.

For more safety information or if you ever have an emergency (for example, a stranger in your dorm or if you become a victim of sexual harassment), contact your school’s safety office or campus police. If necessary, they will contact your local police service. If you are in a situation where you feel your safety or the safety of others is in danger, call 9-1-1 immediately. Your university/college will also having counseling and psychological services available. If you ever need to talk to someone while away from home, they can help.

Links

TeensHealth
TeensHealth: What does it mean to be a friend?
Canadian Mental Health Association
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada: List of Universities
Association of Canadian Community Colleges: List of Colleges