Released on December 4, 1997
Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert today presented cheques to twoschools in LaLoche. Funding was provided to Ducharme Elementary
School and to Dene High School for development of projects under the
Child Nutrition and Development Grant Program.
"I am very pleased to be able to provide assistance to these very
worthwhile projects," Calvert said. "This type of funding is part of
the government's ongoing commitment to enhancing the well-being of
Saskatchewan children and their families."
Ducharme Elementary School and Dene High School will each receive
$5,000 to implement programs aimed at increasing school attendance,
reducing the drop-out rate and improving school performance.
Funding for these projects is provided through the Saskatchewan Action
Plan for Children. In 1997/98 more than $24 million was targeted to
programs for children and families under the award-winning Action
Plan. The Child Nutrition and Development Program provides support to
schools and community organizations to develop local nutrition and
development programs.
This year the ongoing budget for this program was increased by
$200,000 to $1.2 million. For 1997/98, a further $500,000 was
earmarked to provide one-time grants to support the development
of self-sufficiency projects such as community kitchens and
gardens.
"Our children are our future," Calvert said. "How we, as adults,
care for our children today will greatly affect the quality of
that future. I want to commend these schools and the community
of LaLoche for working together to plan and develop these
projects. Their commitment to children will help us ensure a
brighter future for all of us."
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For more information, contact:
Virginia Wilkinson
Social Services
Regina
Phone: (306)787-0916