Global Youth Forum

Building a Strong Global Community

In response to the identified need for newcomer youth to feel welcome in their new Canadian comminitoes, the YMCA is leading a new initiative- Global Youth Forum~ Building a Strong Global Community.

On March 20, 2008 youth in grades 11 and 12 from schools and community groups in the Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo areas are invited to take part in this informative day.

Participants will be faced with topics of racism, discrimination, equality and respect. Engaging workshops and activities that promote and increase awareness and understanding of such critical issues, the forum will empower youth with a positive message to take back to their schools and communities; promoting a more inclusive global community for all.

We are also looking for community organizations to participate in a lunch time

For more information or to register for the forum contact

us at international@kwymca.org or 519-741-8585 ext 242.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

See with my Eyes Photography Exhibit

The See with my Eyes photography exhibit is a reflection of what diversity means to a group of young community members through the photographic lens. Each photo is unique and tells a special story. Young participants attended workshops on diversity and photography and then had the opportunity over several weeks to take photos.

ZIMBABWE AUTHOR SPEAKS OUT!

During International Development Week, Audrey Chihota -Charamba, Director, Zimbabwe Women Writers, read from her book Tradgedy of Lives: Women in Prison in Zimbabwe.  This book is a collection of stories about the lives of women in prison in Zimbabwe. 

Education:

To increase international awareness, understanding and engagement of children, youth and adults, the International Department develops and delivers global education programs and workshops.  These programs are available for YMCA members, community organizations and schools.

To book a program contact the International Department at 741-8585 or international@kwymca.org

Passport to the World (3-5 years old)

Learn about the lives of children around the world through stories, games, crafts and music.

A.R. Kaufman YMCA Wednesdays 5:30-6:30p.m.

Program begins in September.

Non-YMCA Members - Book a visit for your school or community group.

Under the Same Sun (6-12 years old)

Discover what it means to be a global citizen. Explore countries around the world, peace, environment & diversity.

A.R. Kaufman YMCA Mondays 5:30-6:30pm

Program begins in September.

Non-YMCA Members - Book a visit for your school or community group.

Book Club (for members and non-members)

All are welcome to join fellow reading enthusiast on the first Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted, at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA at 7:00 p.m.(September to June) to discuss the book of the month.

International Book Club Selections for 2007-2008

September: The Birth House By Ami McKay

October: Eat, Pray, Love By Elizabeth Gilbert

November: Radiant City By Lauren Davis

December: A Thousand Splendid Suns By Khalid Hosseini

January: Ice Bound By Dr. Jerri Nielson

February: The Power of One By Bryce Courtenay

March: Half of a Yellow Sun By Chimananda Ngozi Adichie

April: Madame Bovary By Gustave Flaubert

May: The Harmony of a Silk Factory By Tash Aw

June: The Happy Isle Oceana By Paul Thereau

Resource Library

Visit the International Resource Library located in the Ontario Early Years Centre on University Avenue East for books and magazines on international development, culture, anti bias education, travel, and more!

A Glance Back:

March 30th: Global Youth Forum

On March 30th, CIGI in partnership with the YMCA hosted a Global Youth Forum for high school aged students and their teachers.  About 100 students attended workshops focusing on peace and development and played the fun and interactive World Trade Game!