Building leaders through volunteerism
CANADA WORLD YOUTHKAI NESTMAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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| Kai Nestman, originally from Sechelt, participated in Canada World Youth’s 2009/10 Youth Leaders in Action program in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec and Allada, Benin. |
For 40 years Canada World Youth (CWY) has enabled 34,000 youth aged 15 to 29 to participate in international co-operation programs hosted by 11,000 families in more than 67 countries.
This week (Oct. 17 to 23), the work of these volunteers and
the significant impact these experiences have had on thousands of youth around
the world will be celebrated. Forty special events will be held in 40 different
cities, and more than 130 municipalities have officially proclaimed Canada
World Youth Week, including Sechelt.
CWY offers young people the opportunity to learn new
languages, embrace diversity, and improve awareness and appreciation for other
cultures. CWY participants cultivate skills to become involved in
community-based projects related to the environment, health and equity. For
many of the youth volunteers, the experience is life-changing. CWY shapes who
they are and who they will become.
As an organization, CWY contributes to the implementation of
the UN Millennium Development Goals and trains new generations of youth to
become active global citizens. CWY participants volunteer more than one million
hours every year by building youth leadership in Canada and around the world.
Enriching the lives of young Canadians has never been more
important. This past September, Canada’s youth unemployment rate stood at 14
per cent. This means that more than 400,000 Canadians aged 15 to 24 were still
looking to enter the job-market. CWY offers youth a bridge to other countries
when other avenues are closed to them. At its best, CWY offers youth the chance
to apply their skills and passion in a meaningful experience, at home and
overseas. Youth are empowered through these experiences.
The Sunshine Coast has embraced CWY over the years through
hosting local groups such as the current Canada-South Africa team, as well as
supporting local participants.
Beyond the national events of the 40th anniversary, CWY is
committed to broadening its approach to youth leadership. Programs must be
accessible. As the value of volunteerism and community engagement grows, CWY
will reach out to young people from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities,
as well as youth from rural areas, with a goal to engage youth from every
socio-economic group, even those not accustomed to turning their sights
overseas.
Canada has some two million citizens living abroad. Many do
fabulous work as volunteers. Organizations like CWY focus on young people from
all parts of Canada, giving them a platform and opportunity to volunteer
abroad. They represent the leading edge of this country’s soft power and a huge
advantage for Canadian business and Canadian citizens.
Editor’s note: Kai Nestman, originally from Sechelt,
participated in Canada World Youth’s 2009/10 Youth Leaders in Action program in
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec and in Allada, Benin. He is also a member of
the CWY board of directors.
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