News Release Archive
ENVIRONMENT--ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING GOES INTERNATIONAL ------------------------------------------------------------------ An environmental training program is again providing young people with the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica. The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) is being offered by the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps in conjunction with Canada World Youth and the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps. This is the third year for the program, which will offer 16 young people, aged 21-24, the opportunity to learn about the environment and community activism in an international setting. The ELP is divided into two phases : an international and a local phase. The international phase will take place in Costa Rica under the supervision of Canada World Youth. Participants will learn about the environmental concerns of Central America, about north-south issues and about community activism. The young people will also learn the skills and issues concerning leadership. These skills will be put into practice through projects undertaken while in Costa Rica, and in Canada. Upon their return to Canada the participants will become crew leaders with the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps. For eight weeks they will be putting to use the skills and experiences gathered in Costa Rica while working on projects in their home communities. They will also be making presentations to youth and community groups. "Our ongoing involvement in such a program is evidence not only of the strength of the program, but is also evidence of government's commitment to the youth and the environment of this province," said Environment Minister Robbie Harrison. "This program is producing our environmental leaders of the future and this province will be reaping the benefits for years to come." Participants in the program are volunteers and as such, their expenses to Costa Rica will be covered by the ELP. Participants will receive a weekly allowance from the ELP and, at the successful conclusion of the program, will receive a stipend of $850. Applications for the participants' positions will be accepted until noon Feb. 10, 1995. Nova Scotia applicants should contact the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps (phone 424-4924 or 424-5071) for details on the application procedure; or write to the Administrator, Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, Nova Scotia Department of the Environment, P.O. Box 2107 Halifax, N.S., B3J 3B7. Successful applicants will be invited to a selection day to be held Feb. 22, 1995. - 30 - Contact: Bill Smith, 902-424-4924 or Eric MacLeod, 902-424-5071 lm January 23, 1995