FUNDING FOR GRASSROOTS EDUCATION INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL

Saskatoon children who are not currently in school will have a chance to reconnect to learning through Saskatoon's Kids Not in School Program (KNIS), which recently received $60,000 from the provincial government.

"Saskatchewan Learning is proud to provide funding for this grassroots initiative," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said. "Keeping children and youth in a learning environment is a key priority in the SchoolPLUS initiative and that is what this program is all about. The program plays an important role by seeking out youth who have dropped out of the mainstream education system with a view to finding creative ways to re-engage them in the learning process."

"Children who complete their education, especially vulnerable children, have better opportunities to get jobs, build independence and achieve their dreams," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "Through this unique initiative and the SchoolPLUS model, government and the community can provide a full range of human services to youth in Saskatoon, improving their ability to learn and to finish school. This is a crucial time for these young people, and we can make the difference for them as they become adults and get jobs."

"Our KNIS committee is passionate about continuing the work we've started in the community. We're pleased the government has provided funding to enable us to hire a Kids Not In School co-ordinator," KNIS Chair Crandall Hyrnkiw said. "A co-ordinator will offer hands-on solutions to help struggling youth find a comfortable learning environment. We are steadily building public awareness in Saskatoon about the plight of kids who aren't in school and this project will help us engage both citizens and front-line workers like teachers and social workers to join in the effort to get kids into school. Without an education they won't be able to contribute to society in a meaningful way."

Funding includes $40,000 from Learning and $20,000 from Community Resources and Employment. The total support for this project over the past three years has been $180,000.

Kids Not in School is a working group comprised of representatives from Saskatchewan Learning and Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment, Saskatoon Public and Separate School Boards, Communities for Children, Saskatoon Police Service, Saskatoon Credit Union, Saskatoon District Health Board, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Saskatoon Foundation and the City of Saskatoon.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie Mclean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609	Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531
Bonny Braden Kids Not in School Saskatoon Phone: (306)373-0529