Government of Canada Invests in Peace by Piece Red Cross Classroom

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - Jan. 25, 2011) - The Canadian Red Cross Society Regina Office will update important learning materials for its Peace by Piece Red Cross Classroom program for students thanks to support from the Government of Canada. The funding was announced today by Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament (Palliser), on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

This funding will help the Canadian Red Cross Society Regina Office review and revise the Peace by Piece learning material distributed to teachers. Peace by Piece is a curriculum-linked, classroom-based resource project offered in Saskatchewan schools that incorporates the message of peace building into year-round activities for students in grades 3 to 6.

"Our Government is committed to increasing awareness, knowledge, and practical enjoyment of human rights in Canada," said Minister Moore. "By supporting projects that create learning opportunities on this subject, we are laying the groundwork for a better understanding of human rights in Canada."

"Human Rights can be a difficult concept for children to grasp, so I am pleased that the government is supporting the addition of elements of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and children's rights into classroom lessons," said Mr. Boughen. "Through Peace by Piece, elementary school students will gain knowledge that will help them become better citizens of tomorrow."

"This important funding from the Government of Canada will enable the Canadian Red Cross to make much-needed revisions to the Peace by Piece Red Cross Classroom program," said Cindy Fuchs, Provincial Director for the Canadian Red Cross. "Through adding this funding to the ongoing support received from SaskEnergy, thousands of children in classrooms throughout Saskatchewan will continue to receive valuable lessons on human rights, and will become better equipped to contribute to a culture of peace."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $35,700 over two years through the Human Rights Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program promotes the development, understanding, and enjoyment of, as well as respect for, human rights in Canada. This includes providing a selected number of grants and contributions to eligible organizations.

This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.