MEETINGS ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE
Engaging youth on their future.
Kyle MacDonald is a 22-yearold graduate of Cape Breton University who could likely find employment anywhere in Canada with his engineering technology trade.
He wants to live and work at home, though.
For that reason, he was pleased to take part in the Youth on the Future of Communities in Nova Scotia conference at the Undercurrent Youth Centre in Glace Bay.
“My goal is to figure out what we can do to make Glace Bay better and to retain youth,” he said during a break in Wednesday’s session.
“As a demographic, we seem to have people leaving Glace Bay to find work and I think that we can create jobs here or find the jobs that are here for youth.”
Youth retention was among the reasons why groups known as Common Good Solutions, #BayItForward and the youth centre hosted the session on Wednesday.
Issues currently or previously faced in the province were identified, discussed and then prioritized by participants from across the province.
The estimated 90 participants, ranging in age from 17-39, also discussed social enterprise and how it has been used to address such issues.
Social enterprise was then used to try to solve some of the top issues identified.
The various groups had the chance to present their social enterprise ideas to the entire group, as well.
Dave Sawler, executive director of the Undercurrent Youth Centre, is pleased to see young people become involved with local issues.
“The name ‘Common Good Solutions,’ that is what the whole thing is about — finding and not just discussing problems,” said Sawler.
“These are some issues, now how can we move forward, what can we do to make things better.”
More and more youth have been attending and participating in #BayItForward events. The people behind that movement to revitalize Glace Bay want to continue to encourage that socially responsible behaviour.
“We have more that are coming that want to join our group,” said Dave MacKeigan.
“That’s why we wanted to get involved … because we see so many youth. We see a need. The timing is great.”
The turnout in Glace Bay was also good news for MacDonald’s wish to stay in his home community.
“There is a large amount of students here — young people from across the province — and everybody is engaged,” he said.
“It’s not just bringing people together, it’s not fluff. People are here to solve problems, so I’m really excited.”
The Social Enterprise Network will bring its work to Cape Breton University today and Friday as part of a community economic development conference.
Solutions and next steps will be discussed at the end of Friday activities.