At the beginning of the program, she observed that some of the youth were a bit shy and hesitant, but mostly uncertain and not at all convinced of their capacity to bring about real changes in their communities.

“But after having participated in our three weekend workshops and having worked intensely to plan their community projects with help from a mentor in their home region, the youth have come out of their shell, they’ve gained self-confidence and they know that if they want to change something in their community, they can do it now and they don’t have to wait until they’re adults,” said Devost. “They now know that they can be community leaders today.”

It really warms her heart to see sharp young leaders emerging from this group and to realize that they are learning from each other.

THIRD WORKSHOP

These youth, aged 14 to 17 years, recently returned to PEI for a third weekend workshop focusing on orientation, planning and motivation. Some of the youth are in the process of setting up their community project by themselves while others are working as groups. In all, the youth are putting together 17 projects, which are all at different stages of planning and implementation.

These extremely varied projects include the establishment of a youth group, a dance group, a volleyball court, a roller skating park, a theatre and improv group, a French pride project, a beach cleaning project, a student radio station, a youth government, a humanitarian aid committee, a violence prevention project and a recycling project. Other projects seek to organize recreational activities for youth and a poetry and music festival.

The primary goal of the third workshop weekend, held Oct. 14-17, was to motivate the youth after their summer and the beginning of their school year. Popular motivational speaker Martin Latulippe spent a whole day with them to help them recognize and bring out their leadership potential. He shared with them a number of strategies for becoming promoters of change in their schools and communities.

“This conference gave them a good boost and helped raise their self-confidence. It has a very energizing effect on them,” said Devost.

The youth then shared where they were in the development of their projects. Thanks to videoconferencing technology, the group was also able to have live conversations with several of the participants’ mentors. They too spoke about the successes and challenges of the various projects they are supporting in their regions. Participants now have a clearer idea about the steps they have to take to implement their projects.

The young leaders also had the opportunity participate in a few social activities as well as in a visit to a Charlottetown entrepreneur who develops residential co-operatives.

The current “Faut que ça bouge” project lasts one year. Participants will therefore return to PEI for a fourth and final workshop weekend in February. By that time, all of the projects should have been implemented.

“Faut que ça bouge” was initiated by Jeunesse Acadienne (the Island’s francophone youth organization) and RDÉE Prince Edward Island (the francophone economic development council), and was implemented in collaboration with the youth organizations and RDÉEs from the three other Atlantic Canadian provinces. It was made possible thanks to financial contributions from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Canadian Heritage.

The Centre Goéland has been described by visitors as ‘A lovely home nestled deep in the woods surrounded by natural beauty’.

Located on the south shore of Prince Edward Island, the Centre Goéland offers a tranquil, comfortable and safe setting that creates the feeling of home. The privacy allows people to feel at ease to be themselves. The natural setting fosters a positive, welcoming and nurturing environment that reaches the heart and spirit of those who spend time here.

Being in a very relaxed and peaceful setting with indoor and outdoor natural beauty to take in, visitors are often in a state of rest and peace allowing for openness and personal exploration. The Goéland is known for enriching lives, where people undergo personal growth and life changing experiences.

This neutral facility is open to multi-cultural, lifestyle and social groups with their own unique programs. There is flexibility in the level of services that are available, and how user groups make use of the property. The staff and management are very accepting, welcoming and open, adding to the overall experience.

Here at the Goéland, your group will get exclusive use of the centre to ensure confidentiality and intimacy. We are able to accommodate groups in an inn offering modern and tasteful facilities. Onsite, we are equipped with a full-commercial kitchen and can, depending on the needs of clients, provide a wide variety of meal options. Our meetings rooms are comfortable and well lit, while just a few steps away from the private beach. The centre includes:

• Chef inspired catering and meal services favoring local, home-grown and organic, free-trade ingredients
• Exclusive use of the centre by your group to ensure confidentiality and intimacy
• Comfortable and well-lit meeting rooms
• Accommodations for 50 people
• Private and shared washrooms with showers;
• Full event production services for planning, hosting and marketing your event.

We look forward to working with you ~ Contact us at (902) 854-2546 or infogoelandorg  (//infocentregoelandorg)   to learn more about our services, to make arrangements to visit our facilities or to make a reservation.