January 7, 2010
New Pilot Program will Benefit Immigrant Youth in Surrey

SURREY – At-risk immigrant and refugee youth in Surrey will get a helping hand, thanks to a new local $456,065 pilot program.

“The 20-month Immigrant Youth in Schools pilot program will help local, vulnerable immigrant and refugee youth adjust to the Surrey and B.C. education system and transition them into new learning or work opportunities in their community,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer.

“This program is a great complement to the existing Settlement Workers in Schools program, which helps new immigrants and refugee children adjust to school culture,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux.  “These programs will make a positive difference in students’ lives.”

Starting in January, School District No. 36 will provide in-school support services, such as individualized counselling and training courses, to at-risk immigrant and refugee students in grades 8 to 12 to help them overcome learning and school adjustment issues and develop connections to their school and community. The program targets vulnerable groups such as older immigrant students arriving with limited English language or formal education; students who have significant social and communication barriers; and students who are struggling with mental and emotional issues as a result of traumatic experiences before arriving in Canada. This district is one of 11 school districts across the province that will deliver the pilot program.

“Preparing our new students to enter the workforce and helping them to participate more fully in their neighbourhoods will strengthen our community and add to Surrey’s success,” says Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon.

“The Immigrant Youth in Schools program will not only give immigrant and refugee youth new work opportunities, but it will also boost student self-esteem through a new sense of community,” says Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordie Hogg.

The Immigrant Youth in Schools Pilot program addresses the needs of a specific group of immigrant youth in grades 8 to 12 who are at risk of dropping out or not achieving their full potential.

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping newcomers succeed,” says Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. “Young people who are new to this country face their own unique challenges. With this funding, young newcomers to British Columbia will have access to improved services in their schools that will ease their transition to life in Canada and strengthen the community as a whole.”

Government funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Agreement for Canada-BC Co-operation on Immigration, and through the Province’s WelcomeBC program, which supports immigrants and their families in succeeding both economically and socially. More information can be found at www.WelcomeBC.ca.

For more information about Surrey, visit the local MLA websites at www.davehayermla.bc.ca, www.stephaniecadieuxmla.bc.ca, www.gordonhoggmla.bc.ca, and www.kevinfalconmla.bc.ca

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