8 - YouthBuilders
YouthBuild USA has a comprehensive philosophy that is based on valuing young people and helping them to realize their potential. It is much broader than a skill-based training program. It provides opportunities for disadvantaged youth to: perform work that is of value; acquire concentrated skills training that gives them access to a well paying job; continue their education; access personal and peer support to overcome problems; develop a set of positive values strong enough to compete successfully with the culture of the streets and give meaning to life; and form a clear vision of who they can become. A strong, shared value base is an essential element underlying all effective YouthBuild projects.
The Manitoba YouthBuilders program has been operating for about five years, and is presently in three communities – two Winnipeg neighbourhoods and Thompson in Northern Manitoba. YouthBuilders is well integrated with a variety of community development and CED initiatives in Winnipeg, including Inner City Renovation in the North End.
YouthBuilders is modeled on YouthBuild USA, with some modifications mainly due to the HRSDC funding model. HRSDC has insisted that the time period for the program be reduced from one year to six months, and they have strict limits on the way in which lifeskills and education can be integrated into the program.
The most interesting development in Winnipeg is the emergence of new funding sources through the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Agreements (AHRDAs). The majority of participants in the YouthBuilder programs have been Aboriginal, and the AHRDAs have started to buy seats in the YouthBuilder programs, which could allow them to develop and operate totally outside of HRSDC, allowing them to be free of HRSDC program restrictions.
It is also important to note that there are groups in other provinces attempting to start initiatives based on the YouthBuild approach, notably in Nova Scotia (where the provincial government is starting several pilots) and in Ottawa, where Rideau Street Youth Enterprises is operating a program called Building Blocks.
For more information, contact:
Anthony Prokopchuk
MB4Youth Division
Manitoba Education Youth & Citizenship
phone number is 204-945-2343
e-mail: AnProkopch@gov.mb.ca
