A unique partnership between the Government of Prince Edward Island and UPEI is moving into its second year of paring co-operative education students with local volunteer organizations. The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs, today announced that applications are now being accepted from volunteer organizations to participate in this valuable program. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2003.
"This program allows the voluntary, community-based sector to access a student to work on developing business plans, conducting audits or performing other tasks that assist the organization while giving the student valuable work experience," says Minister MacFadyen. "This program also provides students with a unique outlook on the important work of our voluntary organizations."
Don MacCormac, Director of Co-operative Education stated, "This is a win, win partnership where our co-op students gain valuable work experience and, by sharing their knowledge and talents, help to strengthen the voluntary sector in our province."
The SAVE, Students Assisting Volunteer Endeavours Program, is a joint project of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Co-operative Education Program of the University of Prince Edward Island. Through the three years of the program it will help nine volunteer organizations across the Island. In 15 week work terms, students will assist organizations in performing a variety of tasks such as developing human resource plans, conducting audits, redesigning annual reports, developing new fundraising programs or other duties valuable to the volunteer organization while providing a good work experience to the student.
The volunteer sector in Prince Edward Island includes more than 40,000 volunteers, the third highest in Canada according to the 2000 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering, and Participating.
Volunteer organizations can apply for student placements through the Co-operative Education Program at UPEI.