Partners for Prosperity have hired two summer students to assess the need for Cross Cultural Bridge Building here in the Cowichan Valley. Barb Kruger, director of Partners for Prosperity, Jessica Thom, Teague Lander and Darla Smith, the interns, in collaboration with Michelle Staples of Cowichan Festival of Film and Arts Society are working diligently throughout the Cowichan Valley along side of several local organizations and groups in hopes to bring our diverse cultures together as a community. The interns (Teague, Jessica and Darla) at Partners for Prosperity are working with all of Cowichan's local agencies and youth groups in order to form a collective community resource.

The youth hired will be working with the House of Friendship, the Cowichan Festival of Film and Arts, The Ministry of Children and Families, The Cowichan Intercultural Society and O.U.R. Ecovillage, as well as several other local agencies. The program began July 6th and is running through until August 21, 2009. Teague and Jessica are working alongside groups such as the Youth Corner, You the Youth, the Friendship Centre, U-Fix-It Bike Shop and community members to engage youth in meaningful cross-cultural activity. They are video documenting, interviewing, writing, and planning to assist with an event in the fall with one of the mentioned organizations.

All of this information will be summed up to build an assessment of what different communities may be able to utilize throughout the different agencies, organizations, and groups that may offer support for the needs required. They are not going to create a new group or organization, but merely want enhance or add value to existing organizations and communities where the need may be necessary. Alongside the video, they are developing a pamphlet which could be used to share information. It will show what all the local youth agencies are doing and what youth groups are available for youth.

Finally, the Garage Gong Show will be held on August 21st at 7:30 at the Duncan Garage and is welcome to all. The event, put on by Partners for Prosperity will be a music filled night of talented local artists. Celtic band "Jane's Way" will be featured as well as music from many different genres such as country, rock and rap. Everyone is welcome to come and artists can request to play by phoning (1)250-412-8182.