A new group of Katimavik participants arrived in Weyburn on Sept. 28, and have begun work with non-profit groups for their three-month stay.

The new arrivals consist of youths aged 17 to 21 who come from across Canada, and will live and work in Weyburn at a number of locations.

The non-profit organizations include the Family Place, Soo Line Museum, Tatagwa View, HELP International, the City of Weyburn, Early Childhood Intervention Program, Violence Intervention Program, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Soo Line Daycare, along with a number of schools, including the Comp, Assiniboia Park and Haig Schools.

The Katimavik program is based on the concept of service learning, which integrates personal and professional development through volunteer work on community projects.

In addition to working 35 hours a week on these projects, participants will be taking a learning program that focuses on developing leadership skills, language proficiency, a healthy lifestyle, cultural discovery and protecting the environment.