They need to hear from you ASAP. Billet time and duration is NOVEMBER 27 TO DECEMBER 6
Information for families interested in becoming a participant’s billet family
Thank you for your expressed interest in being a billet family for our Katimavik participants! Here is a little information to help answer your questions, ease your minds and aid you in your decision.
Katimavik is a nationally funded, non-profit education program for youth ages of 17 and 21 across Canada. The object of the six to nine-month program is to bring youth from diverse backgrounds together to learn from one another. They will experience the rewards and challenges of group living, work on their second official language, obtain work experience through working with non-profit organisations in various communities, and investigate various Canadian realities across the map. In Halifax, we will have an opportunity to get to know 3 different groups that will come to live and work in the community.
The participants are currently working with various organizations in Halifax, helping out with community events such as Nocturne and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s Children’s Festival, and exploring different issues and activities unique to this area. Part of this experience is to spend some time with families in the area to broaden their perspective of the community in which they are currently living, and to get to know community members on a different level.
The billeting period is 10 days in length. Families receive a stipend of ten dollars per day to help offset costs for billeting a participant. In most cases the participants will continue to work at their work placements, and therefore will need to be either transported or within walking distance. The billeting period for the current group will begin on November 27, 2009 and continue until December 6, 2009. The participants have a set of standards of behaviour to which they must adhere to stay in the program. The billet families will be informed of these standards. Families should also inform participants of any norms particular to your homes.
The billeting period can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience for both your family and the participant. It is an opportunity to share your passions and enthusiasm about your hobbies and your community with another person.
If you are interested in becoming a billet family or would like more information do not hesitate to call me. I can be reached at 902.425.9171. Thank you for your time and interest in our program.
Jennifer Keeling
Project Leader, Halifax
902.425.9171
halifax2@katimavik-atl.org