Youth-Development Activities

The survival of any community hinges on its youth remaining and prospering inside the community. Thus the Coasters' Association strives to improve the life of the youth on the Lower North Shore.

One initiative undertaken by the association was to assess the state of youth on the Coast. Three reports have been produced so far.

The Association also attempts to give youth motivation to excel in all aspects of life. Through Encounters Canada, Forum for Young Canadians, Quebec Farmers Association leadership camp and the Co-Operators Youth Conference as well as through initiatives to spotlight volunteerism, to organize youth community groups, and to gather youth together on the Coast, the Association involves youth in their own future.

The Association participated in the first Youth Forum held on the Lower North Shore, at which time the Youth Coalition selected its executive committee: Adeline Anderson president, Mitch Fequet vice-president, Sonya Driscoll secretary, Ross Rowsell treasurer, Chad Letemplier executive member, Andy Monger executive member.

The Association lobbies both levels of government on the issue of student loans and bursaries. These are particularly vital to LNS students who continue their education into CÉGEP and University, as the costs of transportation between the Coast and even the nearest institution are forbidding, and all students must leave home to study post secondary. The Association also researches other options regarding student transportation.

It is through our citizens of tomorrow that we see our community's only real option for long-term growth.