CASINO FUNDS HELP REGINA COMMUNITY GROUP

The Regina and District Food Bank today received $16,500 from the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) for its computer literacy project.

The computer-literacy project provides basic education and skills training necessary for disadvantaged students to move into more advanced education or employment. In addition, students interested in self-employment will have the opportunity to take classes in micro-enterprise business development, and further their training in goal setting, self-esteem building, conflict resolution and budgeting.

"This project teaches more than computer skills - it teaches life skills and how to apply them in a workplace environment," Regina Northeast MLA Ron Harper said in presenting the cheque on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford. "I am very pleased the province is helping young people get skills and training that will help guide them as community leaders."

The CIF funds will be used to secure the services of an on-site instructor in the basics of keyboarding, using e-mail, the Internet and common software programs such as Corel, Word Perfect and Microsoft Word. The project operates year round, giving students the opportunity to advance at their own individual pace.

"We are thrilled to have this program running again," General Manager for the Regina and District Food Bank Gordon Barnes said. "Our partnership with the province through the CIF helps participants gain introductory computer skills which we believe is consistent with the goal of building independence."

The provincial government established the CIF, formerly known as the Associated Entities Fund, in 1997. Since its inception, the province's CIF has provided more than 1,900 community groups with a total of almost $12 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306)787-4967