MNet Receives Award for Work With Girl Guides of Canada

Ottawa, May 28, 2004 – Canada's Media Awareness Network (MNet) and Girl Guides of Canada were honoured today with a special commendation presented at the Annual conference of the Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of Ontario. The commendation acknowledges the efforts of Media Awareness Network for their continuing efforts to empower girls to develop critical thinking skills and judgment and to be safe, wise and responsible users of media through the You Go Girl in Technology challenge badge developed in partnership with Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada.

“MNet has enjoyed a rewarding partnership with the Girl Guides of Canada, and is pleased the “You Go Girl in Technology” initiative has been recognized for its positive impact in developing the critical thinking skills of young woman,” commented Jan D’Arcy, Executive Director, Media Awareness Network. “Our research demonstrates that young people are actively incorporating the Internet into their lives, and the Challenge Badge program of You Go Girl in Technology introduces key concepts of Internet literacy through a respected community-based organization, the Girl Guides of Canada.”

“Canadian Guiding is proud to take the lead, through our partnership with MNet, in providing community-based opportunities for girls to become more adept and at ease with Internet technology,” Gretchen McCurdy, Chief Commissioner, Girl Guides of Canada explained. “Equally important to us, is the fact that participants develop life skills for making decisions that enable them to get the best from their use of the Internet, while addressing potential risks.”

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About Girl Guides of Canada – Girl Guides of Canada is the largest organization for girls (aged 5 – 17+) and women in Canada, with over 140,000 members – over 120,000 girls and over 28,000 adults. Guiding is a worldwide movement for girls, led by women who are young at heart. It empowers girls and women to face challenges with confidence. Through our program and innovative activity choices, girls are encouraged to reach their potential, be independent, confident and caring. We empower them to give leadership and develop their decision-making and life skills.

About Media Awareness Network — The mission of the Media Awareness Network (MNet) is to support and encourage media education, and its widest possible integration into Canadian schools, homes and communities. Our aim is to help people, particularly children and youth, to develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of the media, the techniques used in creating media products, and the media’s role and influence within society.

MNet’s sponsors and partners include: Bell Canada • Rogers Cable Communications Inc • AOL Canada Inc. • Microsoft Canada • CHUM Television • TELUS • CTV Inc. • Craig Media Inc. • Canadian Recording Industry Association • Alliance Atlantis • National Film Board of Canada • BCE Inc. • CanWest Global Communications • Canadian Heritage • CANARIE Inc. • Human Resources and Skills Development Canada • Industry Canada • Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada