PRESCHOOL CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM COMMUNITY INITIATIVES FUND

Three Yorkton groups are getting help in school and at play through more than $28,000 from the provincial government through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF).

Deputy Premier, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization, and Yorkton MLA Clay Serby presented three cheques to program organizers today in Yorkton. The Yorkton In-School Mentoring Program, sponsored by Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Yorkton, received $15,000. The Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton's 2003/04 Annual Programming, Inc, received $10,000. The Dr. Brass "Come Read with Me" Program, sponsored by the Dr. Brass Elementary School, received $3,024.

"The Yorkton community has done an exceptional job in understanding the needs of our at-risk children and in developing innovative programs that give these children a better start in life," Serby said. "Giving children a good start in life helps build strong families and vibrant communities, making Saskatchewan a good place to live, work and play."

The Yorkton-In School Mentoring Program matches at risk students ages 6-14 with an adult mentor who meets with the student once a week during the school year. The objective of the program is to encourage the children to stay in school, to be involved in school life, to improve academically and to increase the children's self esteem and self confidence.

"This program has proven very effective in helping the students. As well, the adult mentors learn many useful things about our school system, the children they are mentoring and about the value of working together to help the children lead full, well balanced and happy lives," Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Yorkton Inc. spokesperson Irma Balaberda said. "The CIF funding is instrumental to this program's success."

The Boys and Girls Club programming provides a safe environment for youth to take part in a wide range of activities that allow them to have fun while learning valuable life skills. The Dr. Brass "Come Read with Me" Program is a family literacy program that helps children just starting school and encourages reading at home.

The CIF was established by the provincial government in 1997 to return a portion of casino profits to communities. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than 2,200 community groups with a total of almost $14.3 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Wendy Campbell Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: 306)787-1062