Premier tours UWinnipeg’s community learning programs

Aug. 27, 2015

Free community programs engage inner-city youth

Today Premier Greg Selinger, UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee, and Associate Vice-President Indigenous Affairs Wab Kinew toured Winnipeg’s largest inner-city day camp, where math, science, and business are infused with Indigenous knowledge and fun. All the UWinnipeg camps are free.

The goal is to reduce summer learning loss and eliminate barriers to camp and educational participation commonly facing inner-city children and youth, and to provide seamless pathways into higher learning. From toddlers to young adults, UWinnipeg is specifically embracing the call to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report by reaching and engaging Indigenous youth.

High school and university students are trained to organize and deliver the camp programs, providing them with new skills and employment experience. Camp leaders and mentors are for the most part also inner-city youth, and are regarded as role models by the participating children.

Partnering with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sports Achievement Centre, the UWinnipeg Science Adventures Summer Camp has attracted approximately 2,000 youth from more than 60 primarily inner-city and North End schools this summer. Another 20 youth have been attending UWinnipeg’s WiiChiiwaakanak Summer Math Camp and “graduated” during the Premier’s visit. Mentor and student Rayna Gopaul also attended the tour – she is a former foster child who is attending UWinnipeg through the innovative Tuition Waiver Program for youth raised in the child welfare system. She is a straight A student.

Pathways to Success – Infographic

Science Adventures Summer Camp – Backgrounder

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