Posted on 01/07/2010, 10:25 am, by mySteinbach

Projects raising awareness of human rights, teaching youth about the parliamentary process and promoting empathy and community volunteerism are among those receiving one of 20 grants to support innovative citizenship education projects, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau announced.
 
“The Manitoba Grants for Innovation in Citizenship Education provide opportunities for students to learn about citizenship hands-on,” said Rondeau.  “Whether learning about how government works or the importance of getting involved in their communities, these projects will help students across the province learn to be better citizens and build strong communities.”
 
In 2009, 72 applications were received from 28 school divisions across the province.  Twenty schools will receive a $1,000 grant to support their project.  Each of the successful projects focuses on social or cultural issues to help students learn more about their communities, other cultural backgrounds or global issues.
 
“We want to support our youth as they learn about their role in the community and what they can to do make the world a better place for everyone,” said Rondeau.  “Learning about something hands-on only increases the meaning and importance of the lesson being learned and these grants will support the innovative work happening in schools across Manitoba.”
 
Since the program first began in 2004, $90,000 in citizenship education grants have been provided to public and funded-independent schools across Manitoba.
 
A detailed list of projects being funded can be found online.