Representatives of Technology PEI and KenNet announced the extension of the Between Generations initiative offering youth an opportunity to interact with other generations in their community through the use of technology. Between Generations is a special initiative sponsored by Technology PEI under its strategic mandate to increase community preparedness for the new knowledge-based economy.
"Between Generations is a unique initiative which contributes to community development, offers youth an opportunity to participate in exchanges between generations and adds to the Canadian and Island content of the Information Highway," says Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "I am pleased to announce the extension of such an exceptional opportunity to bridge the generation gap in communities across PEI."
Between Generations focuses on bringing youth together with other generations to discuss historically significant events and create Web sites based on these events. Through this collaborative effort, local traditions and history are shared, discussed and maintained electronically. Between Generations will help youth in developing new skills such as web creation and interviewing skills.
Applicants to the program must be a recognized youth group or be affiliated with a youth group. Funding to a maximum of $5000 will be provided to the group for the purposes of equipment purchases, staffing, or other expenditures necessary to complete the work.
In July 1999, a pilot project under the Between Generations initiative began in Abram Village. A youth club in the community spent the summer collaborating with local veterans from the Wellington Legion to establish a permanent tribute to the memories of the war experience. The site was launched last fall at www.peicaps.org/generations. It is anticipated that through the extension of this initiative many more successful projects such as the one in Abram Village will be launched.
"Between Generations will allow Island youth to share the traditions and stories that make Prince Edward Island special and unique with audiences around the world," says Minister Currie.
For more information, contact April Henn, KenNet Inc, (902) 836-4003, mail@kennet.pe.ca