The I Am Stronger program is back for another year to continue standing up against bullying

According to a recent report by PREVNet, Canada’s authority on research and resources for bullying prevention, 75 per cent of people say they have been affected by some form of bullying.

Considering the severity of this issue, SaskTel is dedicating all of November as I Am Stronger Month to bring attention to the negative effects of bullying and to honour National Bullying Awareness Week -- which runs from November 12 - 17. 

“I’m so proud to watch this amazing program evolve and see all the wonderful organizations, groups and people who want to make a difference in their communities by becoming a part of this initiative,” said Lyndsey Pankratz, SaskTel’s I Am Stronger Project Manager.

Since its inception in 2013, I Am Stronger has offered youth, families and educators the tools and resources needed to ward off bullying online and in our communities.

“The one thing that really sets I Am Stronger apart from other bullying prevention initiatives is that we want to empower youth and put control in their hands. We don’t want to tell them what to do, we want them to tell us what needs to be done,” said Jennifer McLeod, SaskTel HR Manager - CSR and Diversity.

I Am Stronger awards grants for youth-led initiatives that address bullying, cyber-bullying and promote kindness within our province, with the help of the Ministry of Education.

To-date the program has awarded 73 grants totaling over $64,000.

Past recipients like Harkirat Bhuller from Evan Hardy Collegiate in Saskatoon used the funds to create the Buddy Project. The initiative helps young newcomers transition to their new life in Canada by providing a welcoming and supportive environment.

“Providing youth with funds through the grant program encourages them to bring their ideas to life,” Lyndsey said.

In February, students at Greenall School in Balgonie received a grant for their Outdoor School Program which promotes kindness toward each other and the environment. To recognize their efforts, Greenall will host the third annual I Am Stronger Rally on November 14.

Saskatchewan’s youth have plenty of valuable ideas to help I Am Stronger achieve its goal of eliminating bullying. Throughout the month of November SaskTel will feature a series of I Am Stronger stories to showcase some of their visions at: http://www.sasktel.com/about-us/community-stories/.

For more information about I Am Stronger or to apply for a grant please visit: www.iamstronger.ca.

You can also follow I Am Stronger on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.