Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Kivalliq (Feb 16/00) - Seven Kivalliq students are among those selected to participate in the Nunavut Youth Abroad program (NYAP).

The program, in its third year, enables Nunavut youth to acquire skills in journalism, communications, environmental issues, office administration and management through work placements across Canada and in Africa.

Kivalliq Divisional Education Council member Chris DaSilva says being in a growth mode makes this an exciting year for the NYAP.

"We've increased the Canadian contingent from 10 to 14 and will be increasing Swaziland from five to six, although we haven't verified the final participant yet," says DaSilva.

Although the NYAP still requires funding, solid relationships have been developed with the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

"We're getting to the point where we have core funding from a couple of key groups. We're also approaching different organizations and government agencies to help us out."

DaSilva says another exciting aspect of this year's program is that it's starting to draw participants -- for the first time -- from other communities such as Repulse Bay.

Another important element being developed is the creation of an alumni network living throughout Nunavut communities.

"This is the kind of leadership network which will pay dividends five or 10 years from now when people in senior positions can pick up the phone and call a friend from 10 years ago in Swaziland.

"We've also started tracking people who graduated from the program and what they're doing now. Some are really starting to move forward with skills they might not have had prior to the NYAP."

This year's 14 Canadian placement participants include Repulse Bay's Andrew Beveridge and Rachel Siusargnark, Whale Cove's John Enarvik and Arviat's Meda Suwaksiork and JoEllen Pameolik.

Rankin Inlet's Jeffrey Tulugak and Whale Cove's Gloria Kowtak will be in the African placement.