My Steinbach: Province expands funding for youth mental health with over $800,000 investment in community initiatives
The Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program (IYMP) develops leadership and training skills for university and high school students who manage after-school programs for younger students, creating lasting relationships through mentorship. This highly successful program promotes healthy development among Indigenous children and youth through health and cultural programming, noted the minister. An additional $545,000 will allow this program to expand into 24 new sites over three years – fifteen in northern and rural areas and nine in urban sites.
“This is an incredible program that has real impact in young Indigenous people’s lives,” said Heather McRae, acting director of Indigenous Engagement and Communications, University of Manitoba, who oversees the IYMP. “In the last year alone, a thousand students have connected programs across the province. The Manitoba government contribution is making it possible to expand into new communities and schools which will have a lasting impact.”