How do you embed important life and literacy skills into activities like mitten making, cooking or youth nights? This was what we discovered in our recent Skill Builders for Youth training.
Participants from Inuvik, Norman Wells, Fort Liard, Délı̨nę, Ulukhaktok, Fort Simpson, Wekweètì, Ndilo and Yellowknife joined us for a three-day training to learn about the Skills for Success, and how to embed these skills into fun, informal programs that interest young people.
In 2021 what was formerly known as Literacy and Essential Skills was updated and changed to Skills for Success. The Government of Canada defines the Skills for Success as "[the skills that] provide Canadians with everyday skills needed for work, learning and life. Improving them will help you succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s workplace.”
The Government of Canada identifies nine Skills for Success:
- reading
- numeracy
- writing
- communication
- collaboration
- problem solving
- digital
- adaptability
- creativity/innovation
Participants had the chance to learn about the nine skills in depth, including the components and competency levels of each skill. Throughout the training session they were able to practice skill-building activities that they can use in their community programs. They also participated in an evaluation session where they learned and shared different and new evaluation techniques.
A favourite activity from this year’s training was embedding Skills for Success into mitten making. Participants worked on their numeracy, writing, communication, digital, and creativity/innovation skills all while making a pair of mittens! A big thanks to Chloe and Robert from Beb[a]ski for making sure we received all our tanned hide and fur on time, as well as Elder Sarah Cleary who led us through the mitten making process from start to finish.
Community groups that participated in our Skill Builders for Youth training can apply for funding through the NWT Literacy Council to run a Skill Builders for Youth project in their community. We also provide resources and support for the program and facilitators throughout the process as needed.
Thank you to the NWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment for funding this project. You can check out more photos from the training here.
- Charlotte Upton, Skill Builders for Youth Coordinator
