Non-formal, community-based programs
Case Study
Program Name: “New Horizons” Skills Link Program
Community: Inuvik, NT
Program Delivery Agent: Inuvik Youth Centre
Program Funders: HRSDC (main funder); GTC and IRC (Regional Bands)
Program Partners: Inuvik Youth Centre; Ingamo Hall Friendship Centre, Aurora College; Inuvik Works; Town of Inuvik; Education, Culture and Employment.
Goals of the Program: 12 youth participated in this program that was directed an giving the youth an opportunity to gain a number of skills related to employment.
Length of Program: The program began March 12th through June 29th (four months in total)
Description of Program:
New Horizons Skills Link was a four month program designed to give participating youth the skills needed to gain meaningful employment. Youth taking part in this program will learn valuable employability skills and gain hands-on experience through a number of workshops, community involvement projects and a three week work experience placement.
Comprised of three components:
- Workshops:
Personal Development Workshops: Participating youth developed goals and a better sense of self through the following workshops colour spectrums, communication, conflict resolution, sports and fitness as well as team building.
Cultural Workshops: An opportunity for youth to participate in a number of cultural activities including the following: Ice fishing; carving; trapping, storytelling and traditional medicines.
Skill Enhancement workshops designed to prepare participants with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to enter and maintain a job within the workforce. Workshops included the following: Job Searching; Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Rights and Responsibilities; First Aid and CPR training, Computer training, Literacy development; and Money Management. - Community Involvement Projects:
Where program participants take part in four community involvement projects. These projects will give the participants hands on experience, as well as an opportunity to develop additional skills and a sense of pride in giving back to their community. Moreover, participants will have the opportunity to develop the following skills: Planning and organizing, problem solving skills, cooking, landscaping and carpentry. - Work experience placement:
During the last month of the program the participants had the opportunity to gain real life experience in a work experience placement. For three weeks participants gained on the job experience with a local partnering organization.
Additional Benefits of the program:
Participants were paid $12 for every hour that they participated in the program. Most of this money was fronted by HRSDC however, the additional $4 was provided by the local bands for their respective participants.
Highlights & Reflections:
It was expected that only 5 of the 12 participants would complete this program. We are very proud that 10 of the participants completed the program, five of which were offered jobs upon completion. The program was a great success! We are hoping to run this again this coming winter. The graduating participants claimed that they would picket outside of the IYC in protest if we decided not to run it.
If you'd like more information or would like to chat about our program, please don't hesitate to contact us at (867) 777-4992 or by email: info@inuvikyouthcentre.org.
For information on our other programs please visit our website: www.inuvikyouthcentre.org.
in collaboration with The Nunavut Literacy Council