Youth Council - Canada

With the support of The Eagle Down Foundation, World Vision (WV) piloted its first ever youth council bringing together seven key young leaders from across Canada for meetings and training on September 18 – 22nd, 2008. 

During meetings at World Vision’s head office in Mississauga, the council met with key staff in the organization including a one-hour session with President Dave Toycen.  As well, the council developed a vision and plan for their activities throughout the year. Finally, during a one-day visit to Ottawa, the youth met with the WV Ottawa Office, visited the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and met with former Senator Landon Pearson. 

The newly launched Youth Council will aim to inspire and mobilize other youths across Canada in order to get them involved in international affairs.  Their overall goal is to “educate, encourage and enlighten youth” as they engage them in global issues.

“I feel that the Youth Council planning weekend was of the utmost importance to the successful completion of the year ahead. Without this valuable organizational period, it would have been very difficult to coordinate our efforts. I (and all the youth) greatly appreciate this opportunity, made possible by the generosity of The Eagle Down Foundation. I am now assured of great success in the year to come; for World Vision, for the youth of Canada, and in a small way, the world.” – Connor Scheu, Victoria, BC

“I think the most important thing about reconnecting and meeting this past weekend was to rekindle the flame that was ignited in Africa. When you come home from Africa, you're overwhelmed with too many emotions and you don't really know what to do. Seeing the people I had such an incredible experience with again and discussing our plans for the upcoming year was so important for me to be motivated again. I left this past weekend knowing exactly what I will be doing this year to make the Youth Ambassador program and Youth Council as strong as it has the potential to be!” – Nick Lefrancois, Montreal, Que.


Photos from Youth Council Trainings:

Youth Council Members in Ottawa: Top (from left): Nick Lefrancois (Que.); Connor Scheu (BC); Shimby Zegeye (Man.); Sarah Tang (East ON); Maggie Hynes (NS) Bottom from left: Kayla Shore (Alb.); Taslim Alani (Southwest ON)	Youth Council (and staff members Henry and T.J.) meet with World Vision President Dave Toycen.
Youth Council attends “Why Everything Must Change Conference” and listen to youth peace activist Fatmire Feka.	Youth Council meet with officials at CIDA offices in Ottawa.
Youth Council meets with former Senator Landon Pearson to discuss child rights.	Youth council members Sarah and Maggie take a break during a session at WV.