Youth Led Community Capacity Building Project

Cumberland Kids Committee

Cumberland Kids is a collaborative committee that was formed to promote the health development and well-being of children and youth (aged 0-19 years) and their families in Cumberland County. The committee’s membership consists of several community agencies and organizations. The committee’s vision is to nurture a vibrant community where youth are valued, and where youth are energized and engaged in community change.

Youth Led Community Capacity Building Project

The goal of the Youth Led Community Capacity Building project is to encourage and support youth led working groups in the development and implementation of activities/events throughout several communities across Cumberland County. Consultations with youth indicated that there are an insufficient amount of engaging activities to be a part of in their communities. The Youth Led Community Capacity Building project will benefit the community and youth by positively impacting the following areas:

• Giving youth an alternative place to be rather than on the streets
• Providing mentorship and positive roles models
• Providing activities that are educational, cultural, and socially valuable
• Teaching and modelling social and life skills
• Offering a way for youth to contribute meaningfully to their communities
• Enhancing self-confidence and offering a place to belong
• Allowing youth the opportunity to share their voice and be heard

Crime Prevention

The Youth Led Community Capacity Building project prevents crime by:

• Building communities that are inclusive of youth
• Keeping teens active and alleviating boredom
• Building communities where youth are engaged, supported, listened to, acknowledged, and valued
• Promoting diversity
• Promoting violence prevention
• Role modeling healthy relationships
• Enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem
• Providing a supportive environment without access to risky behaviours