Two local organizations in North Bay have received government funding to help improve educational opportunities for Aboriginal women and Ontario Works clients affected by poverty.
The Local Poverty Reduction Fund will provide up to:
- $201,750 over three years to Canadore College to help develop and evaluate a culturally-appropriate, hands-on training program for Aboriginal women to help them find sustainable employment in the skilled trades industry and become financially self-sufficient. Students will receive training over 12 weeks using a curriculum developed in partnership with First Nations, local firms and service providers, with ongoing support for up to two years.
- $750,000 over three years to the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board to help implement and evaluate a post-secondary education program to help low-income clients who have a grade 12 education or higher find meaningful employment and become financially independent. The program will partner with Canadore College to help participants develop the skills that are in demand by employers by offering mentorship, career counselling, and other specialized supports and services.
Evidence gathered from these projects and others will be used to support poverty reduction programs across the province that have been proven to work and that can expand over time, says a government news release.
“Our new ‘Aboriginal Women in Trades’ project at Canadore College will provide a holistic approach to work readiness training. This program will include relevant hands-on training as well as an opportunity for direct experiential learning of the highest quality for Aboriginal women in our First Nations communities,” said Judy Manitowabi, Manager of Community-Based Training, First Peoples Centre, Canadore College.
“Data shows that people with a post-secondary education are far less likely to live in poverty and are much more likely to be part of the labour force. We are very optimistic that this innovative education program will help targeted social assistance recipients achieve self-sufficiency,” aded Mark King, Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board.
The Local Poverty Reduction Fund is a $50 million, six-year initiative that supports community-driven projects, which measurably improve the lives of those disproportionately affected by poverty, including: women, single parents, people with disabilities, youth, newcomers, visible minorities, seniors and Aboriginal Peoples.
Organizations have two more opportunities to apply for funding in 2016 and 2017.
