by Stacy Dunn
Beach clean-up, visiting Orwell Corner Historic Village, volunteering at a long-term care facility, and touring UPEI were among the many activities that 30 participants of the Skills Enhancement And Mentorship (SEAM) program accomplished over seven weeks this summer in Queens and Kings counties.
SEAM gives high school students a wage and the opportunity to build their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. They learn about career options, budgeting, nutrition, and job interview skills, and receive equity, diversity, and inclusion training.
ResourceAbilities ran SEAM in central and eastern PEI. Acting Executive Director Devon Broome says this is the first year her organization has run the program. She thanks the government of PEI and the SkillsPEI Jobs for Youth Program for its funding support.
“I looked forward to receiving reports from the Team Leads (the staff) every week, and especially liked seeing the pictures,” she said. “I learned a lot from the Team Leads and cannot think of better mentors. I was pleased to see the sense of belonging, leadership, teamwork, and growth in self-esteem from participants. Everyone should be very proud of themselves.”
Creativity, curiosity, passion, generosity, and kindness were words Team Leads used to describe participants at the recent SEAM closing ceremony. Lily Gallant, Peer Support Mentor, facilitated mental health well-being sessions with them. “I am grateful for the opportunity to make meaningful connections with the youth and so appreciative of their willingness to go out of their comfort zones and consider new areas.”
She says the youth who participated in the program confirmed her faith in youth and she can only imagine the great impact they will make in this world.
Participants’ comments
Participants spoke at the ceremony in front of invited dignitaries, family, and friends. The following are remarks from a few of them:
“The program showed me people need people.”
“I feel I could be my true self.”
“I feel confident and proud of myself.”
“I understand myself and others better and see others from different perspectives.”
“I know what I want to do in my future.”
For more information about ResourceAbilities, visit www.resourceabilities.ca
SEAM is funded in part by the Government of PEI Jobs for Youth Program.