June 5, 2009
Wainwright (Alberta) - Local Member of Parliament, Leon Benoit, today announced Canada's support for people in Southern Peru to acquire education and employment. This project is a component of the Skills for Employment Initiative, which aims to help developing countries by building a skilled workforce with strong and relevant technical and vocational education necessary for economic growth.
"This government is committed to increased aid effectiveness, one of the most effective ways Canada can help developing countries is to share our knowledge and expertise in vocational training," said Mr. Benoit, who made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation. "Canadian partners like the Rainbow of Hope for Children Society have the experience and expertise in technical and vocational training, these skills will benefit the people in Peru."
The program, which will be implemented by the Rainbow of Hope for Children Society, will help 700 people from the District of Chincha Baja in Southern Peru through the rebuilding of the Centre for Occupational Education, destroyed in the 2007 earthquake. These students, of whom 70 percent will be women, will acquire education and training in the fields of leadership, health education, money management, communications and job searching.
"For developing countries to succeed, basic education is only the first step. They need skilled workers, employment and a growing economy," said Minister Oda." Economic growth is one of CIDA's priority themes. With an effective and results based vocational training program, those living in developing countries will have greater opportunity for jobs and stable income to lift themselves out of poverty. For this reason our government invested in the Skills for Employment Initiative."
The Skills for Employment Initiative supports vocational and professional training projects in Africa, the Caribbean and the Andean region. This initiative is a key element of the Prime Minister's commitment to increase Canada's engagement in the Americas.
- 30 -
Information:
Michelle Coates
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
June 5, 2009
Canada announced $500,000 in support for a program, which will be implemented by a trusted partner, the Rainbow of Hope for Children Society. The funding will help 700 people from the District of Chincha Baja in Southern Peru. The program is a component of the Skills for Employment initiative, which helps developing countries build a skilled workforce necessary for economic growth.
The students, of whom 70 percent will be women, will acquire education and training in the fields of leadership, health education, money management, communications and job searching. They will also take field trips to businesses and industries to market their skills and find better-paying employment opportunities. The Centre's programs will be supplemented by workshops and debates (open to the public, particularly the male population) on the importance of giving women the same employment opportunities available to men.
The three-year program will be funded through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Peru's Ministry of Education will continue funding the Centre's programs and the maintenance of the facilities so that the education and training courses continue after the CIDA program is completed.
The program will help reform the approach and delivery of skills training, will help modernize curricula design and teaching practices and establish a network of institutional partners to ensure sustainability. The purpose of the Skills for Employment initiative in the Andean region is to significantly increase the number of young men and women in skilled positions and meaningful employment.
The Skills for Employment initiative is a key element of Canada's commitment to playing a bigger role in the Americas, to promote basic democratic values, to strengthen economic linkages and to meet new security challenges. The end goal of the initiative is to reduce poverty and inequity, effectively contributing to achieving Canada's vision in the Americas.
- 30 -
