by Roy Dahl
Northern News Services

NNSL (Dec 24/97) - The Chekoa youth training program in Ndilo is under seige these days, with no relief in sight.

That seems to be the feeling shared by the program administrators after news their program funding was being terminated.

Even though they are looking for alternative financing, program director Eileen Drygeese said it looks like a uphill battle to gain even a portion of what they're losing.

The program, funded by the GNWT departments of Justice and Education, also received some money from the federal government.

The program was intended to create a positive environment for Yellowknives Dene children to learn new skills, from computer programming to flying a plane, as well as reinforcing traditional language and cultural skills.

As of the end of March next year, the money runs out and the program will die.

"I feel sad for the kids," said Drygeese. "A lot of these kids come here after school and when the program ends, where will they go?"

Other staff members said they feel "devastated," suggesting the government has displaced a valuable program in a community already suffering from high truancy rates and low academic achievement.

"This program was one part of the solution," said Drygeese, citing recent surveys that suggested school attendance had risen since the program started.