Counsellor’s comment ‘unfortunate’
I would like to respond to, and perhaps clarify, some of the unfortunate comments made by Geoff Coons, a counsellor with the Youth 2000 Jobs program in the October 15 edition of your paper.
The Youth 2000 Jobs program, which employs two front line counsellors, was barely seven months old at the time of the interview. In those months, the staff was able to secure jobs for over 100 youth.
This in itself may not be viewed as a great achievement, however, the program has secured 1,500 job commitments from over 500 firms in the region, and provided individual and group job readiness training and employment counselling to 250 young people.
In this regard, we are not unlike the many other professionals attempting to assist young people who struggle with employment dilemmas and the rigours of securing and maintaining a job.
Throughout history, and no doubt well into the future, we will encounter citizens both young and old who are, to quote Geoff Coons, “only marginally interested” in finding a job. Mr. Coons says there are “many” in this category while I would argue there is but a relatively small number.
Semantics aside, we should not be detracted from our aim to secure jobs for all youth who are willing to take that (sometimes) scary step into the job interview and to the often daunting world of work.
We will continue to serve the motivated, the unmotivated and those young people considered to be “high risk” and we will never refuse to provide resources to those in need.
The client who spoke highly of our program in your article reflects the opinion of many others who have taken advantage of our services.
We are well aware that we will encounter our share of challenges. This will not, however, deter us from reaching out to as many young people as possible to secure for them a work experience and at best, a meaningful job which provides a sense of worth, satisfaction and prospects for advancement.
In closing, let me thank Centretown News for printing stories such as those about youth. While I would have hoped that your reporter might have taken a slightly different approach, one that was not so negative in its tone, I am grateful for your interest.
– David Millen, Child & Youth Friendly Ottawa/Youth 2000 Jobs