FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is investing more than $200,000 over two years into Chat to the Future Inc. The program provides high school students with a unique approach to learning and entrepreneurship.
"Our government is focused on people, skills and jobs," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. "Chat to the Future is an innovative way for students to learn and grow by encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit and to help prepare them for labour force needs."
The project partners New Brunswick entrepreneurs with high school students allowing them to learn from others who have experience working in an occupation or business that matches a student's career choice. This provides students an opportunity to network and make valuable contacts within the local business community.
"In order to strengthen our economy and grow our province, our government recognizes the need to invest in our young people," said Carr. "This program does exactly that by encouraging students to take on a meaningful entrepreneurial venture, gain valuable skills which they can carry forward and contribute positively to the New Brunswick labour force."
Using an entrepreneurial model, students essentially own and operate an orphans' home in Kampala, Uganda. They review an annual budget, find innovative solutions to problems, fund rent and school fees as well as pursue a goal of long-term sustainability. This program is fueled by student-led entrepreneurship, live Skype sessions with the children in Uganda and other technologies.
Founder Adam McKim launched this approach to humanitarian giving from his world issues class at Saint John High School. The program has linked more than 40 North American schools to the Ugandan orphans' home via Skype and 24 of the schools are in New Brunswick.
"When students are excited about something, our excellent teachers can harness that energy to enhance curricular learning,” said McKim. “Active citizenship and entrepreneurialism have always fueled our work with schools and our Ugandan friends. Now, thanks to the provincial government, high school efforts will be supported in ways that develop advanced entrepreneurial skills and forge meaningful relationships with the business community. We are excited about, and thankful for, this investment in our future leaders."
Chat to the Future Inc. is a registered Canadian charity that has been operating in the not-for-profit sector since August, 2010.
27-06-14