VANCOUVER, BC (May 9, 2017) – Students from the University of Ottawa are helping under-educated and unemployed youth in Iqaluit set up their own social enterprise, selling hand-made furniture made out of recycled wood. Their project Sanajiit, teaches youth carpentry skills, and is accompanied by a workshop series focused on management, finance and mental health.
The Enactus University of Ottawa team has been awarded the 2017 PSHSA Wellness at Work Project Partnership Best Project award by this country’s largest student leadership development organization, Enactus Canada, and proud supporter the Public Services Health & Safety Association. The award presentation took place today at the 2017 Enactus Canada National Exposition in Vancouver.
“Workplace-related mental health is an issue that is affecting young workers in Canada,” said PSHSA Glenn Cullen, Vice President, Corporate Programs & Product Development, PSHSA. “We really enjoyed working with Enactus Canada to develop a solution that empowers students and soon-to-be fresh grads to tackle an issue that will ultimately impact their generation of talent.”
The PSHSA Wellness at Work Project Partnership, new this year, was designed to empower Enactus teams with the resources needed to identify, create and deliver projects that address psychosocial hazards facing young workers, including workplace violence and harassment, and workplace-related mental health.
“We are proud to recognize the Enactus team from the University of Ottawa for using entrepreneurial action to empower young workers,” said Nicole Almond, President of Enactus Canada.
The PSHSA Wellness at Work Project Partnership Best Project was awarded at the 2017 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where more than 1,500 delegates including the country’s brightest university and college students, academic professionals and top Canadian CEOs came together to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.
For competition results during the event, please follow @Enactus_Canada on Twitter. All event results will also be published on enactus.ca/events/national-exposition.
ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada, the country’s largest post-secondary experiential learning platform, is shaping entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 2,734 entrepreneurial post-secondary students led 280 community empowerment projects and business ventures last year in communities coast to coast. As a global network of 36 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.
Media inquiries:
Jen Falzon
Enactus Canada
jen@enactus.ca
(416) 315-2099