Youth Issues
Here’s some space to talk about issues facing youth and youth engagement.
Setting the Agenda 2010
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Recent Comments
David Robertson on Cycling Infrastructure Desmond Cole on Democratic Reform and Civic… Raj on Welcome to Setting the Agenda … MS on Cycling Infrastructure DN on Cycling Infrastructure
November 19, 2009 at 12:49 pm |
Lately, it seems that Youth programs are being funded as ”research” projects, especially in the high-priority neighbourhoods. Programs are usually staffed by people who have little or no real-life experience when it comes to the issues experienced by the residents in the neighbourhoods in which they are working. Going into these neighbourhoods under this method does not build trust give residents hope. They are not lab rats, they are human beings with needs and potential that is being wasted, by those who have opportunity to get the jobs to ‘study’ them.
The residents of these neighbourhoods don’t need to be studied, or to be exploited further by the system. They need decent paying jobs, youth programs that focus on skill building & goal setting, social and programs that allow them to afford the necessities of life.
November 19, 2009 at 10:50 pm |
Empty gyms in schools in the evenings need to be accessed by kids, youth and even adults needing a place to go and play sports, or a safe and welcoming place to meet up with their friends.
November 23, 2009 at 8:15 pm |
yes! underutilized public buildings are a shame! i personally know 5 people who are looking for large spaces to rent out for weekly dance and movement classes. these spaces are so difficult to find and school gyms could help provide more alternatives. revenues from renting these spaces could go directly back to the school for fitness equipment or arts supplies.
November 20, 2009 at 4:29 pm |
The summer of 2009 saw the highest level of student unemployment since since the government started tracking it in 1977; up 13.8 per cent from Summer 2008.
There is government funding that organizations can access to employ youth, but often by the time a project idea comes up, deadlines have passed…
It would be great if there was a way of getting the word out to potential employers, through info sessions in the community, to explain the process of submitting a Summer Job proposal…
November 23, 2009 at 12:44 am |
I agree with Malton – let’s give youth positive things to do. Filling up gyms is just one method. Other methods could include more youth centres with events, fun games (guitar hero anyone?) as well as opportunities to develop skills – resume help, homework help, counseling, etc.
November 23, 2009 at 4:21 am |
The ‘youth councils’ that are often popping up in priority and other communities are often filled by supervolunteers and already engaged young people. Bless their hearts, they’re wonderful and energetic – however, rarely do these youth councils have membership that is representative of the hardest to reach youth in each of those communities. Whether it is about youth issues, part of an anti poverty agenda, or trying to address issues related to school drop outs or violence/gang activities – a more concerted effort needs to be made on reaching out to the most disengaged/hardest to serve young people and helping facilitate their voice on things that matter.