Speaking with the Youth Protocol Committee

The Discovery Zone has a Youth Protocol Committee.  Membership comes from the Community Youth Networks, Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Service Canada, Eastern Health, Eastern School District, Discovery Regional Development Board, Ability Employment Corporation, Eastern Regional Committee Against Violence and the Random North Development Corporation among others. The committee's mandate is to: 

Work collaboratively as federal, provincial and local stakeholders to develop a process for addressing employment challenges faced by youth in Newfoundland and Labrador.  We strive to: • Create opportunities for youth to define and develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to participate in the labour market; • Increase work opportunities for youth; • Help youth respond to the changing nature of work; • Address cultural and social barriers in order to facilitate youth employment.

During the focus group session, one of the comments made was the importance of integrating youth in things around the community.  We need to get to the point where their involvement is asked for and encouraged.  What you have a community event, do you make a special effort to include youth in the process and the event? 

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!