Speaking with the College of the North Atlantic

One of the key informants identified for our needs assessment is the College of the North Atlantic.  In this region, there are two campuses:  Clarenville and Bonavista.  The College has been asked to participate in the needs assessment process based on their knowledge of education as a determinant of health as well as their knowledge of the youth population.

In addition to their educational role, the College also plays a role in social supports.  Many of their Continuing Education courses bring people together who may not otherwise know each other.

Education contributes to health by giving people knowledge and skills for problem solving, and helps provide a sense of control over their life. It increases opportunities for jobs and income security, and job satisfaction. It improves people's ability to access and understand information to help keep them healthy.

According to Census 2006, 33.7% of people 18 to 64 years of age in the Discovery Zone do not have a high school diploma compared to 25.1% of people in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  About 8.1% of people aged 25 to 54 had a Bachelor's Degree or higher in 2006 compared to 15.1% in the province.  About 79.1% of people 25 to 34 years of age in the Discovery Zone had at least a high school diploma. This compares to 85.4% in the entire province and 89.1% for Canada.

Visiting Community Youth Network - Bonavista

In an earlier post, we referenced the Community Youth Network - Clarenville as being newly established.  One Community Youth Network in this region that has been operating for a while is the one in Bonavista.  This intiative was introduced in August 2007.

The space itself is very large with a number of different areas, including an area for playing instruments and one for playing pool.  There is also a seating area and a computer area.

Art plays a big role at the centre with a number of floor mats painted onto the floor.  There's also a large pot of aluminum cans cut as flowers (pictured above)!

Referred to as BAYNet (Bonavista Area Youth Network), this organization covers the geographic area from Bonavista to Charleston, 37 communities in total.  They offer a variety of programs and activities, from a tutoring program to Battle of the Bands!

Visiting the Community Youth Network - Clarenville

We have identified a number of people considered "key informants".  These are people who have a broad, regional perspective on health and community services in the region. 

For example, the Staff Sgt of the RCMP would be considered a key informant.  Interviews are now taking place with key informants.  One of these interviews took place with the Community Youth Network - Clarenville.  This is a group that is in the beginning stages and will be opening their facility in the next several weeks.  Here's a sneak peak at their new facility.