The Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program will take place from Jan. through April 2003. A team of eight Aboriginal youth from Alberta will spend this time together in the rural community of Amatlan, near Cuernavaca, Mexico.
They will live with host families and volunteer in a variety of work placements. This unique program will focus on developing transferable employment and leadership skills, and learning about social and community development issues. Canada World Youth (CWY) is a national non-profit organization offering international programs for youth since 1971. CWY provides youth with a non-formal educational experience that encourages community action and involvement.
These programs promote intercultural understanding, increased awareness of development issues, a sense of commitment to community involvement and the development of personal and professional skills. This program may be for you if you are interested in:
Discovering the people and culture of a rural Mexican community
Living and working with other Aboriginal youth from Alberta and Mexico
Acquiring practical work experience and transferable job skills
Becoming a leader in your own community
Sharing your culture, values and perspectives in a safe team environment
Developing an awareness of social justice / community development issues
Education based on learning through doing rather than classroom instruction.
To be eligible, you must be:
First Nations AND a Metropolitan Edmonton resident — OR — Metis AND a non-settlement Alberta resident — You must also be:
Between 20 and 25 years old
Out of school & unemployed (but not eligible for EI income benefits)
In good health
Motivated and committed to learning and skills development
Able to live and work away from home for the duration of the program
Applications must be received as soon as possible, so that travel arrangements and all pre-program preparations can be completed.
There will be a Pre-Program Orientation in mid- Nov., 2002
The program will run from Jan. 6 through Apr. 17, 2003
If you know of young people who would qualify (pls. pass this on) if you fit the criteria and this appeals to you contact:
MetisNation of Alberta Association
Attn: Kim Muller, Youth Coordinator
Tel: 455-2200 / e-mail: kmueller@metis.org
Or:
Oteenow Employment Centre
Attn: Penny Laboucan
Tel: 423-2340 / Fax: 421-4760
e-mail: plaboucan@oteenow.com
Or:
Canada World Youth
#205, 10816A – 82 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6J 4J4
Phone 1-877-929-6884 toll free or 432-1877 local
e-mail: cball@cwy-jcm.org / http://www.cwy-jcm.org
This program receives funding from the MetisNation of Alberta, Oteenow Employment & Training Society, and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
