Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Encouraging Ontario Students to "Change the World"
Ontario high school students are being challenged to "change the world" while earning the volunteer hours they need to graduate.
In its seventh year, the ChangeTheWorld - Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge is an annual call to volunteer -- encouraging young people to contribute to their communities, developing important transferable skills, such as leadership, communications and time-management. The challenge starts during National Volunteer Week, Apr. 6 - 12, and ends on May 19.
Delivered in partnership with the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network, this year's campaign goal is to get 33,000 students between the ages of 14 to 18 volunteering. Strengthening volunteerism and the not-for-profit sector supports the government's economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario's greatest strengths -- its people and strategic partnerships.
Quick Facts:
- Over 6 million people volunteer in Ontario each year.
- In Ontario, youth aged 15 - 24 have the highest volunteer rate at 58.1 per cent.
- Since 2008, over 100,000 Ontario youth have contributed more than 433,000 volunteer hours in their communities through ChangeTheWorld.
- Ontario students must complete 40 volunteer hours to graduate from high school.
- The 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games expect to recruit approximately 20,000 volunteers to support the 10,000 athletes, officials, spectators and the expected 250,000 visitors to Canada’s largest-ever multi-sport event.
- As a lasting legacy of the 2015 Games, the province’s Volunteer Legacy Initiatives include a certificate program, an accessible online gateway and student loan incentives to encourage Ontarians to volunteer in their communities.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"Students tell us the ChangeTheWorld challenge helps them develop many different skills — from listening, leadership, and networking, to communications, budgeting and organizational skills. But what they most enjoy is helping their communities grow and knowing they’re making a difference in this world."
— Michael Coteau, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
"High school students are encouraged to connect with one of the 23 Volunteer Centres across Ontario during the ChangeTheWorld campaign, so we can help them find meaningful volunteer opportunities in their community. This campaign is an important opportunity for youth to explore their passions, share their talents, gain skills and become civically engaged. The upcoming Pan Am and Parapan Am Games’ Volunteer Legacy Initiatives will continue to support volunteerism in our communities, including among youth volunteers, and the vast network of our voluntary-sector."
— Carine Strong, Steering Committee Chair, Ontario Volunteer Centre Network
Media Contacts:
Kira Callahan
Minister’s Office
416-325-6207
kira.callahan@ontario.ca
Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch
416-314-7010
laura.sylvis@ontario.ca
|