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VICTORIA
– More than 1,500 B.C. Parent
Advisory Councils (PACs) are receiving almost $12 million in community gaming
grants this school year to support extracurricular activities for students and
enhance parent involvement in schools, Solicitor General John Les and Education
Minister Shirley Bond announced today.
“These
grants are another example of how gaming funds are going back to communities to
enhance the quality of life for all British Columbians in their hometowns,”
said Les. “This funding will help students broaden their learning while
encouraging parents to participate directly in their children’s school
experience.”
Activities
that receive support include school drama and chess clubs, writing, debating
and music competitions, and student societies, as well as student travel in
B.C. Newsletters, yearbooks, playground and sports equipment, awards, trophies,
scholarships and bursaries are also funded through these grants.
“We
know that when parents are involved in their child’s education, children do
better in school,” said Bond. “That's why we encourage parental involvement in
schools through organizations like Parent Advisory Councils. PACs give parents
a voice, and these grants will help these councils make a difference in our
schools.”
Funding
is also provided to District Parent Advisory Councils (DPACs) to build
relationships and promote effective communication between schools, parents,
students and the community. Eligible uses of this funding are educational and
promotional materials as well as administration and travel to DPAC meetings. DPACs are comprised
of members from each PAC in a district. DPACs receive grants of $2,500 every
year while PAC grants are based on the respective schools’ student enrolment
and are paid annually at $20 per student.
Funding
for PACs is part of the $143.5 million that approximately 6,300 community
organizations will share from community gaming grants through Direct Access and
Bingo Affiliation. This revenue is generated from commercial gaming conducted
by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation on behalf of the Province.
Application
deadlines for PACs and DPACs are April 1 to June 30 with grants approved by
Sept. 30. For guidelines and information on community gaming grants and a
complete list of PACs and DPACs receiving community grants, and other
information on the gaming industry, log on to www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/gaming/ .
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Public Affairs Officer 250 356-6961 |
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