This PowerPoint was actually put together by the participants.  They used their own photos, created the captions and presented it to various stakeholders on several occasions. For example, the fonctionnairs at Services Canada (the primary funders of the project) were pleased to get the chance to meet all the participants face to face and here from them firsthand about the progress of their "paid learning adventure". Before hand, we were told that there would only be a small group of people.  You can imagine our surprise when we showed up to a room with over 30 invited guests and representatives from all the boroughs in Montreal. It was also a chance for the participants to meet the people behind the scenes and find out how some of our tax payers' money is spent to support youth in our community.

Not only did they hone their technical skills, but they managed to overcome some of their fear of interacting with government and institutional representatives. Our participants were extremely apprehensive about presenting to "officials". The advisory committee also attended a presentation and were given the opportunity to exchange with the participants in small groups.

Speaking in public and exhibiting self confidence was not one of their strengths. In fact most of them had a bona fide fear of walking into any sort of institutional building, from the bank to the employment office. However, they managed to work through their fears and did a stellar job at presenting and fielding questions from the audience.

The project was full of small challenges and victories. Using the strategies discussed in weekly meetings, they were able to break down tasks, such as presenting PowerPoints, and execute their mission. Yes it was flawed and sometimes they fell on their heads (sound files didn't work ) but they learned by doing. Each presentation that they gave, improved with the experience from the previous one.


CHECK OUT THE SLIDESHOW in PDF HERE!