The third aspect is our drive for inclusion. The summer after compulsory education is a key transition point, when many young people are vulnerable and at risk of dropping out of learning, and so excluding themselves from future opportunities. All young people can benefit fro m the experience of positive activity, which could be a summer camp , aimed at developing team work, interpersonal skills and leadership, as well as building the confidence and self-esteem of the individual. We expect Millennium Volunteers to be included in the summer activities, developing their personal skills as well as benefiting other young people in the community. It is also about providing stability, support and positive encouragement for young people now and in the future.
Government policies contribute to greater stability in the lives of young people.
We have introduced a number of initiatives across Government and the voluntary sectors to meet the particular needs of people from minority ethnic backgrounds . In particular, we have expanded the National Mentoring Network to include a TaskForce which has the specific remit to promote mentoring for minority ethnic pupils and encouraging Black and Asian communities, including businesses, to become m o re involved in mentoring activity. We have also expanded the number of volunteering opportunities for young people from ethnic minorities through the Millennium Volunteers initiative and we are strengthening the capacity of local communities through the Neighbourhood Support Fund. Tackling poverty and unemployment, and breaking the cycle of deprivation and dependency, is a key goal. These policies will improve the family backgrounds of successive generations of young people by providing opportunities for people to enter learning and work and support for those who cannot.