Teens turn global citizens

published by Asianpost on Fri, 11/30/2007 - 15:59

By Angela Lee


If you think teens these days only care about parties and what’s on TV, think again.



Since 1971, more than 27,000 young people across Canada have left the comforts of house and home to live and work for half a year at a time in developing communities around the world. They’ve done it all through programs sponsored by Montreal’s Canada World Youth.


Each year, groups of 18 young people from various cultures set off together for a six-month sojourn - three months in a Canadian community and three months in a community in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe or Latin America.


While residing within their host communities, the teens learn about local and international development issues and gain essential job skills for the future.


Canada World Youth (CWY) currently runs programs in 67 countries. Participating organizations in Asia include the National Youth Services Council of Sri Lanka, the Directorate General for out-of-School Education and Youth in Indonesia, the Community Development Department in Thailand, the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses in India, the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel in China and the Tibetan Welfare Office in India.


Their six months away from home is not a gap year, however. It’s an educational program that is designed to complement their studies. In some cases, Canada World Youth enables participants to earn study credits.
According to promotional materials, CWY programs give participants an opportunity to discover other cultures and other languages Develop the qualities that employers look for in the labour market: leadership, teamwork, adaptability Become committed global citizens.


Canada World Youth is currently accepting applications from teens to its Summer 2008 program. Those who apply before January 15, 2008 will be given priority.
 Candidates must be between 17 and 24,  Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, in good health, motivated, open-minded, and flexible.


For more information, visit www.canadaworldyouth.orgor call 1-866-7-VOYAGE (1-866-786-9243).
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