Open to anyone between the ages 13 and 17 years old in Ottawa, YVC! runs exciting and innovative year-long programs, culminating in an overnight mini-camp in the summer. Young people get together in a variety of venues to learn about each other and share new experiences. With qualified facilitators, kids learn about their community, get to know their City and make new friends, all while having fun! All sessions are free and transportation and food are provided.
As an example of our activities, one year the YVC! participants had a chance to explore a group of select cultural art pieces created by Indigenous artists in the National Gallery of Canada with the help of a museum’s tour guide. Following the tour, everyone engaged in thoughtful discussions related to the connections they had with the stories behind the art pieces. One of the major highlights of this youth gathering was the young participants sharing their stories of arrival in Canada and the meaning of the word ‘land’ for them, and of course the Pizza and drinks!
Another year we launched our program at an event where 20 Jewish and Muslim teens cooked traditional Syrian food and served dinner to 70 Syrian refugees. A great success, the gathering was addressed by Imam Zijad Delić, Rabbi Michael Kent and Councillor Michael Qaqish.
YVC! also partners with aligned organizations. For example, we partnered with Baobab Youth Performers for a program of West African drumming, movement and singing – a wonderful metaphor for exploring themes of unity and diversity, change and transition. Both organizations engage youth from diverse populations with the intent of fostering connection and understanding. Particularly during these times of global unrest and disconnection among young people, we feel that these team building activities help youth share strategies and skills.
YVC! and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
This photo shows a group of Young Voices Can! youth and board members volunteering at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Center, serving a holiday dinner to over 150 community family members. Our volunteers were spotted greeting and registering guests, setting up and cleaning, serving dinner, doing crafts, and decorating cookies with the children. The night ended with some of our volunteers getting helping Santa hand out gifts to the attending families!
One year, an enthusiastic group cleaned up garbage on Alta Vista Drive from Ridgemont Ave to Bank Street. This was the first of our activities which later culminated in a summer leadership conference for youth at Ashbury College.
The event gave visibility to YVC! and a number of homeowners came out and thanked the youth. One lady said “in all my years here I have had tons of garbage thrown on my lawn by students but this is the first time I’ve ever seen kids picking up the garbage”.
