Even a little bit of cash helps

Page 2

The provincial government, which this year has received widespread criticism for its across-the-board budget cuts to every department, including education, announced Aug. 1 that it was putting $1.27 million into Aboriginal post-secondary education and training programs.

The money will be split among 25 new projects, which will receive between $17,210 and $75,000 each.

The money is for the 2002-2003 fiscal year. More than a million is short term funding for developing education programs and courses to meet labor market needs. Less than one-quarter of a million dollars will go to services to support Aboriginal enrollment.

Advanced Education Minister Shirley Bond said the money reflected the government's "New Era commitment to increase opportunities for Aboriginal youth," according to a government release.

Programs in the plan include adult basic education, online learning, adult basic education, math and science, fine arts, social work, Aboriginal language, justice, economic development, tourism, governance, land management, early childhood education and social work.

More information can be found at http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/htbin/nrlistall2002.