The Northpine Foundation has set aside over $1-million for two programs for children and teens on Bell Island.
The town of Wabana is getting $780,000 to establish a program that will connect teens with summer employment, micro-credentials, and mentorship.
The local Boys and Girls Club, meanwhile, is getting over $300,000 to launch a Summer Learning and Healthy Futures initiative, which will provide literacy and numeracy enrichment, healthy meals, recreation, and social development opportunities.
Mayor Philip Tobin believes that the money is “bringing new life to this community.”
Wabana Mayor Philip Tobin (VOCM News)
“So we have kids who are only getting a summer job for the very first time, and this experience will gain work experience, some responsibility that will take them into the future as they decide on what career goals they lead. There’s some kids here now who have graduated and haven’t decided on what their careers are going to be, so some of the woodworking and some of the skill trades that we’re going to offer here this summer will probably lead folks and kids into the right path.”
Student Cassie Parsons will spend her summer working at Radio Bell Island. She is excited for the opportunity and the prospect of being able to stay on the island for work after she graduates.
She says she doesn’t want to leave Bell Island, and she wants to see it grow.
