News Release Archive
YOUTH SECRETARIAT--SECOND ANNUAL YOUTH WEEK PRAISED ----------------------------------------------------------------- Young people across Nova Scotia are holding special events to mark the second annual national Youth Week, which runs from April 29 - May 5. "This is a week to celebrate the contribution young people make to our communities and to encourage them to continue to participate through community service and volunteer groups," said Minister Responsible for the Youth Secretariat, Jay Abbass. The Minister knows first-hand the sound advice young people can provide. Three years ago, the province established the Youth Advisory Council, which brings together young leaders from across Nova Scotia to provide a young person's perspective on community and government initiatives. "These youths have displayed a tremendous interest in their province and in playing a role in creating Nova Scotia's future," Mr. Abbass said. He also made special note of the contribution young people make through their volunteer work. Last week, the Provincial Volunteer Association and the Youth Secretariat awarded 17-year-old Julie Spekkens of Tatamagouche its youth volunteer award for the hours she donates to her school and community. Julie is not alone. The Provincial Youth Secretariat notes that young people in Nova Scotia volunteer their time to community initiatives at a higher rate than the national average. In Nova Scotia, more than one-quarter of young people between 15 and 19 years of age, 27.1%, volunteer compared to 20.4% nationally. For those from 20-24 years of age, Nova Scotians again participate at a rate well above the national average, with 22.6% of this age group volunteering, compared to 15.5% nationally. Students at Oxford School in Halifax are a good example of commitment by young people, the minister said. Under the coordination of Sheila Fougere, 300 students from grades seven to nine donate their time to community projects ranging from emergency food drives to helping out at museums. "Not only does the community benefit from their contribution of hours and hard work, the students themselves learn more about their community and the important role they can play," said Mr. Abbass, "We appreciate the volunteer work young people contribute in every corner of the province this week and every week." The minister also acknowledged the important role adults play in encouraging young people to volunteer and for their role in running the many youth organizations in Nova Scotia. Youth Week was established in 1995 as a way to highlight the volunteer work of young people in their communities and encourage them to participate in this work year-round. The week is organized by a national planning council of 50 youth organizations. Among the local activities planned for the second annual national Youth Week are: community clean-up by the Boys and Girls Club of Dartmouth; junior leaders community service, by members of the Boys and Girls Club of Dartmouth; and a global change workshop for high school students at Shelburne Regional High School, West King's District High School and Cobequid Education Centre, Truro. -30- Contact: Rick Gilbert 902-424-3780 trp Apr. 30, 1996 - 2:15 p.m.