Oh YEAH: The Youth Enhancing Aquatic Habitat program received funding for a ninth year.
Heather Colpitts, Langley Advance

Young people will get the chance to develop employment skills in Langley while also helping the environment.

On Friday Langley MP Mark Warawa and Langley Township Mayor Rick Green delivered funding to the Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) for its youth employment program.

"Today, more than ever, it is important that youth develop the skills needed to participate and succeed in the job market," said Warawa, who presented a cheque for $257,000.
 
MP Mark Warawa, on behalf of federal labour minister Diane Finley, delivered program funding to the Langley Environmental Partners Society and visited the demonstration garden.

"By supporting this project, we are not only helping youth in Langley gain the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to successfully enter the labour force, but we are also teaching youth to conserve our environment, ensuring a greener and healthier future for us all," he said.

LEPS will use the money for the Youth Enhancing Aquatic Habitat (YEAH) project. This 52-week project will help 20 youth overcome barriers to employment by teaching them the life and employment skills. Youth will develop a career plan, participate in a series of healthy living and social life skills workshops, and work in teams on environmental conservation and enhancement projects.

"Employment and the environment are two of the most important issues facing our society today, and young people play a key role in both," said Green, who announced $126,817 in funding.

"This project will not only benefit LEPS and the young people involved, but also the community as a whole." 

© Langley Advance 2009