October 23, 2008

HANNAH'S NEW LADYBUG INITIATIVE BRINGS HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY ISSUES INTO K TO 12 CLASSROOMS WITH $450,000 PROVINCIAL INVESTMENT: BJORNSON


Homelessness, hunger and street-life issues will be introduced to kindergarten to Grade 12 students across Canada through a new Ladybug Foundation initiative with the province’s support of $450,000 over three years, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

“When young Hannah Taylor decided to help homeless people in Winnipeg, she proved one person can make a profound difference in the lives of many,” Bjornson said. “This new Ladybug Foundation initiative encourages good citizenship and motivates youth to get involved in community-based social issues and we’re proud to support it.”

The new initiative, called Make Change, helps students to build awareness of the issues surrounding street life and they are also encouraged to participate in community action that will reduce the effects of poverty.

The educational resource kit includes user-friendly, age-appropriate content such as lesson plans, suggestions and actions enhanced by effective multimedia resources, teacher support and feedback. Manitoba’s support of the foundation will ensure that over the next three years Manitoba schools will receive a set of the kits free of charge, said Bjornson.

“Make Change resulted from one young person’s vision of a better world,” the minister added. “The Ladybug Foundation’s education program will help rally the energy and ideas of Manitoba students around social consciousness and compassion for others, and will extend the program to students across the country over the next three years.”

Taylor has been recognized as a social activist throughout North America and the Ladybug Foundation’s message is now being heard in various countries worldwide. More information is available on the foundation’s website at www.ladybugeducation.ca.