Newcomer youth getting help to get ahead

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Immigrant and newcomer youth in Nipissing will be able to develop skills while giving back to their neighbourhood and cultural communities.

Through Ontario’s Youth Opportunities Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District will provide mentorship, leadership training and community engagement activities for newcomer and immigrant youth. Participants will gain marketable skills, and build social and professional networks through volunteering and collaborating with community leaders.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District received $38,000 to provide local programming. Newcomer youth will participate in four weeks of workshops on goal setting, job search, interview skills and resume writing, followed by six weeks of a job or volunteer placement. A youth advisory committee will determine workshop topics as well as determine fields of study in which they are interested in pursuing work or volunteer experience.

Investing in the skills and talents of all Ontarians is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to support our not-for-profit sector, strengthen our communities and grow our economy

“It is important for our youth to become active members of our community,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing. “Programs such as this one provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District will assist newcomer youth in building self-confidence as well as fostering professional and personal relationships in their new community.”

“I am inspired by the commitment and the passion of our youth. They are proof that young people want to and can make a difference. They show us, through their contributions to building stronger communities that youth really can change the world and build a brighter future for all Ontarians,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

QUICK FACTS

 Sixty-one projects in 23 communities across Ontario will deliver the Youth Opportunities Program.

 The program targets newcomer and immigrant youth between ages 16 and 24.

 Seven Youth projects will work with Francophone newcomer youth from Africa and the Caribbean.

 Five million Ontarians volunteer more than 800 million hours annually - equivalent to 420,000 full-time jobs.

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