Cumberland council will have a chance Monday to discuss whether the Village can afford to spend money on a youth co-ordinator.
Cumberland Community Schools Society asked council last week for funding to help pay for a youth co-ordinator who would develop regular programming for youth in Cumberland.
“What we’re thinking is we’ll take the very successful model that we have created at the elementary school for an overall co-ordinator who works with community groups and individuals in the community to develop programming based on interests and needs in the community and move that out into youth,” said CCSS’ Vickey Brown.
The CCSS asked council for $25,200 per year for a two-year period to launch the new programming. The CCSS would generate $10,200 per year, for a total budget of $35,400 per year. This money would pay for a part-time youth co-ordinator, program leaders and other costs like food and materials.
CCSS conducted an online survey and had discussions with groups of Grade 6 to 9 students to see whether they saw a need for youth activities in Cumberland.
Elementary school teacher and CCSS member Rachael Black told council 79 students completed the survey and 94 students participated in the discussions.
“We just found an overwhelming support for programming targeted at their age group. And they generally spoke of a lack of things for them to do in town,” she said. “They had a lot of ideas and they were extremely enthusiastic at the idea of anything from programming for them, right up to a space or a youth centre for them to use.
“They asked for dance programs, arts, sports, many things that it would be easy for the CCSS to set up with the previous programs that we already have running for elementary students — we can easily continue that into the older grades.”
The request will be on the Monday, Jan. 27 council meeting agenda for council consideration.
writer@comoxvalleyrecord.com
