Canada Supports Job Skills Training in Ecuador

June 5, 2009

Cranbrook (BC) - Local Member of Parliament, Jim Abbott, today announced Canada's support to help rural and urban poor in coastal Ecuador learn new skills in the environmental and tourism fields. This project is a component of the Skills for Employment Initiative, which aims to help developing countries by building a skilled workforce with strong and relevant technical and vocational education necessary for economic growth.

" Canada, and institutions such as the College of the Rockies, have the tools to provide the necessary know-how to help countries like Ecuador create a qualified workforce that meet its market's needs " said Mr. Abbott, who made the announcement at the college on behalf of the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation. " This government is committed to increasing aid effectiveness, and one of the most effective ways Canada can help developing countries is to share our knowledge and expertise in vocational training with them. "

The funding will support a three-year Environmental Entrepreneurism program at the college, which will train Canadian students to work with Ecuadorians to establish businesses that meet environmental criteria and create or expand tourist opportunities. The training will also give students the skills to help entrepreneurs take advantage of micocredit to expand or open new businesses and to market environmentally-sound products in local and international markets.

" For developing countries to succeed, basic education is only the first step. They need skilled workers, employment and a growing economy, " said Minister Oda. " Economic growth is one of CIDA's priority themes. With an effective and results based vocational training program, those living in developing countries will have greater opportunity for jobs and stable income to lift themselves out of poverty. For this reason, our government invested in the Skills for Employment Initiative. "

The Skills for Employment Initiative supports vocational and professional training projects in Africa, the Caribbean and the Andean region. This initiative is a key element of Prime Minister Harper's commitment to increase Canada's engagement in the Americas.

Information:

Michelle Coates
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238

Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca

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Backgrounder

June 5, 2009

Canada announced $199,995 in support for a program, which will be implemented by a trusted partner, the College of the Rockies (COTR) in British Columbia. The program is a component of the Skills for Employment initiative, which helps developing countries build a skilled workforce necessary for economic growth.

The goal is to train Canadian students to go into communities and work with local Ecuadorians to establish businesses that meet environmental criteria and create or expand tourist opportunities. The training will give students the skills to help entrepreneurs take advantage of micocredit to expand or open new businesses, and to market environmentally-sound products in local and international markets.

The program aims to achieve greater awareness of environmentally sustainable business practices and increase environmentally appropriate tourism products and services. Youth and adults will gain the skills they need to engage in meaningful employment in order to contribute to economic and social development of their own communities.

College of the Rockies (COTR) in British Columbia and its Ecuadorian partner will implement the program. Canadian technical and vocational training partners like COTR have experience and expertise that would be very valuable to communities in Ecuador. College of the Rockies is dedicated to the advancement of student learning and success through quality instruction and has built strong international and local partnerships.

The Skills for Employment Initiative supports elementary vocational training and secondary level technical education, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and informal vocational training. The initiative aims to significantly increase strong and relevant technical and vocational education that will contribute to social stability and poverty reduction in developing countries.