Government of Canada Announces Funding for the Children's Rights Project
VANCOUVER, March 13, 2003 -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament (Vancouver SouthÑBurnaby), on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps, today announced funding of $64,750 for Save the Children Canada. The funding will help the association expand their Right Way project over two years."The activities proposed by Save the Children Canada reinforce the Government of Canada's commitment to protecting and ensuring children's rights," said Minister Dhaliwal.
The Right Way project trains coordinators in child rights and self-advocacy skills who, in turn, recruit facilitators to provide Right Way workshops in their regions. At Right Way workshops, young people discuss rights issues that affect them and learn from each other about their rights through role-play and interactive exercises. They get up-to-date information on children's rights, as well as referrals to community services for further information and support. Coordinators also support communities' children's rights initiatives that arise from the workshops.
In Phase II, Save the Children Canada will hire new youth coordinators, build on the participation of youth in all aspects of the project, and expand the program to reach young people who access social services or who are "at risk".
The Department of Canadian Heritage provides this funding through its Human Rights Program. This Program promotes the development, understanding, respect for and enjoyment of human rights in Canada. This includes providing funding to eligible organizations.
Funding for the initiative was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.
Information:
Sonya-Kim St-Julien
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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