News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--SYDNEY MINES LEARNING CENTRE EXPANDS
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The Sydney Mines Learning Centre is expanding its innovative
community-based learning approach. The project will see an
increase of 30 students per session participating in its
literacy, social and employability skills program.
"We can accomplish much by working with local partners to
develop new ways to overcome the barriers that keep people
out of the workplace," said federal Human Resources
Development Minister Lloyd Axworthy, "The Sydney Mines
Learning Centre puts an emphasis on results and self
empowerment."
Human Resources Development Canada will contribute $2
million over a two-year period to expand the centre's
curriculum and bring its learning approach to more persons
in the community.
The Sydney Mines Learning Centre project is a partnership
forged among local businesses, fisheries unions, the
Regional Industrial Training Commission, provincial and
municipal social services, the John Howard Society,
Childrens' Aid of Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, the Nova Scotia Department of
Education and Culture and the North side-Victoria District
School Board.
"This is an excellent example of partnerships in action,"
said Nova Scotia Education and Culture Minister John
MacEachern, "By drawing on the strengths and resources of
the community this centre will be able to sustain itself and
assist the young people of the community for years to come."
The Sydney Mines project is designed to reach youth who have
dropped out of school or are at risk of dropping out. Other
clients include young and adult offenders, the unemployed,
single parents and drug and alcohol abusers. The centre's
success rests in its holistic approach -- with an emphasis
on the social skills, academics and emotional, mental and
physical wellness.
To date, 290 students have been enrolled in the program
full-time and another 200 at-risk students attend part-time.
More than 500 have taken part in educational sessions aimed
at the prevention of drug abuse and intervention. But many
more remain on the centre's long waiting lists - which the
expansion will help address.
With increased funding, additional staff will be hired and
the centre will be able to run two shifts per day, enhancing
the use of the building and its facilities. The centre's
computer-based learning system will also be expanded with
additional work stations and software.
There will be an adolescent drug treatment centre, a
residential component and mentorship and counselling for
clients. An entrepreneurial readiness program will also be
set up, drawing on the centre's partnership with local
business, North side-Victoria District School Board and the
North side Economic Development Assistance Corporation.
-30-
Contact: Kathy Moggridge 902-426-8306
Alice Almond 902-784-5877
Donna MacDonald 902-424-2615
trp Nov. 15, 1995
