Fort Nelson Secondary School one of the first to use the Martin Aboriginal Initiative
Fort Nelson Secondary School has been chosen as one of the few schools from across the nation to offer a new entrepreneurship course. The Right Honourable Paul Martin and his family created a charitable foundation with the goal of funding programs aimed at reducing the Aboriginal youth dropout rate and increasing the number of Aboriginal students attending post-secondary institutions.
Education is critical to improving the social and economic strength of Aboriginal people and communities to a level enjoyed by other Canadians. The Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI) was established to support various educational opportunities that will enable Aboriginal Canadians to have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.
The goal of the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program is to encourage Aboriginal youth to stay in school while developing the attitudes and providing the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success in secondary school, the workplace, postsecondary education or training, and daily life, by giving students entrepreneurial opportunities and access to business ownership.
The program is designed to improve students’ proficiency in Business Mathematics. English, Accounting, Marketing, and Information and Communications Technology, while supporting the acquisition of leadership skills.
Each student is matched up with a local businessperson and is mentored through the course. The mentors and students each benefit from this program: Students receive the support and guidance of a caring adult, experience greater self-esteem and motivation to success, are encouraged to stay in school and graduate and receive assistance in developing their business. Mentors will increase their involvement in the community, recognise they can make a difference, gain new knowledge and contribute to the growth of a student.
The program needs business mentors to support our students in their strive for success in this program. If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact me at the school, Melissa Yurkowski (250) 774-6958 or e-mail me at myurkowski@sd81.bc.ca.
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