FREDERICTON (CNB) – The provincial government will support the creation of a community agriculture learning centre in the Upper St. John River Valley that will help communities, families, schools, marginalized persons, unemployed persons and young people.
"One objective of the centre is to act as a work placement site for long-term and short-term unemployed people who face cultural, social and economic barriers," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Martine Coulombe. "It also presents an opportunity to expand the horizons of skills training in New Brunswick by providing people with life skills as well as specific agriculture and mechanical job skills."
The community learning centre will be located on 46 hectares (114 acres) in Campbell Settlement. One of the primary goals will be to provide opportunities for people with various issues and capabilities to pursue a common cause. The initiative was developed by a number of community members representing a wide range of sectors. Partners for Youth Inc., a not-for-profit organization, will lead and manage the project.
"Farming and agriculture have always been a part of the fabric of New Brunswick,” said John Sharpe, chief executive officer of Partners for Youth Inc. “This centre is a significant opportunity to act boldly to innovate in education, agriculture and socio-economic inclusion. This includes individuals who face educational, cultural and other barriers."
The centre will promote agriculture and farming, including the provincial government’s educational objectives related to agriculture.
"New Brunswickers’ awareness of the importance of farming in our province needs to be revived,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp. "By providing skills training and educating our youth on the benefits of the farming industry, this initiative can help highlight the contribution of our agriculture sector."
"We see the potential for this model farm to contribute to improved education achievement for students by providing them with hands-on learning opportunities," said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Jody Carr. "Students are our future. Educating them on agriculture now will help to strengthen the future of our province."
The project will be evaluated through a multi-departmental advisory committee.
"This is an excellent opportunity that has the potential to allow diverse groups of people to meet and learn from each other," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz. "It is intended to be an integrative centre in which people can connect and be respected for their contributions to the various farm projects."
The provincial government has made a commitment of $75,000 for the first year of this five-year initiative. Future provincial contributions to the project, of up to $675,000 over five years, will be evaluated on a yearly basis.
Partners for Youth Inc. will be seeking additional partners from the public and private sectors to support the initiative over the life of the project.
LINK:
● Partners for Youth: www.partnersforyouth.ca
31-08-11