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Young adults and youth who are making a better future for themselves after the trauma of being sexually exploited will soon help others who are at risk, through the Ndinawe Youth Care Worker Training Program, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.

 

“This marks a new beginning for young people and adults who are making a better life for themselves and doing it in a way that helps others,” Mackintosh said.  “This program, the first of its kind in Canada, will support young people who are making positive changes in their lives, and it will help prevent others – especially youth who are vulnerable and at risk – from being exploited.”

 

“This unique program builds on the strengths of experienced people and values their insider knowledge in a new way,” said Sonia Prevost-Derbecker, executive director of Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc. (Ndinawe). “There is no one better to mentor and help direct a new life for vulnerable young people than those who have redirected their own lives themselves.”

 

The province will contribute $320,320 through Neighbourhoods Alive!, and Manitoba Family Services and Housing and the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement will each provide $139,400.  The Government of Canada will contribute $29,800 through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Aboriginal Single Window and the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development is contributing $20,000.

 

In partnership with Red River College, Ndinawe will provide participants with the skills and knowledge to complete a certified child and youth worker training program over a 12-month period.  The program, part of a two-year diploma, may see graduates work in youth-serving agencies and take an active role helping at-risk children and youth find positive and promising futures, the minister noted. The program, which started in January, currently has 14 students enrolled.

 

The initiative reflects ongoing principles of the Manitoba Strategy on High-risk and Sexually Exploited Children and Youth to provide mentorship and training by people who have real-life experience in these areas.  More information about the initiatives to stop the sexual exploitation of children and young people is available at http://www.stopsexwithkids.ca.

 

For more information on the new program, contact Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre at
204-589-5545.

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