International Youth Day celebrates young people and the role they play in world events and raises awareness of their challenges.
- Half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57% by the end of 2030.
- Survey shows that 67% of people believe in a better future, with those age 15 to 17 being the most optimistic about this.
The UN believes that there should be more young people in decision-making roles when it comes to future planning. “There is no doubt that young people have the energy, knowledge and creativity needed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems. The global community must nurture partnerships across sectors and generations, open the doors to decision-making spaces, and empower young people to leverage these skills through participation in public affairs, including in political and civic processes, platforms and institutions at all levels.
Young people deserve an equal say in their future.”
– Jayathma Wickramanayake, United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth
– David Boynton, CEO, The Body Shop
Meet David
Today, CHV would like to celebrate the achievements of David. David is a refugee whose parents were killed by rebels, in his homeland. He was hidden by family and made his way to Canada on a student visa.
David started his life in Canada with nothing. He found CHV and entered the Crisis Program. David mentioned that after a week into the program, he felt a sense of calm and felt safe. He was very passionate about education and opportunities. “In the Crisis Program, I took advantage of every opportunity that was offered to me.” He said.
David learned English, he went back to school, and after six months, he entered the Rights of Passage program. Here he learned life skills that would equip him for the next part of his journey.
David is now in the Hollyburn program and is now a permanent resident. He has graduated from the Community Support Worker program and works casual shifts. David also works at Deltaport. He is applying for scholarships as David wants to be a heavy equipment operator.
“I stared from zero. Everything I now know, I learned at Covenant House. They are a family to me—they taught me life skills, gave me direction, taught me what was right and wrong in Canada, they helped me get a job and go back to school.”
Congratulations, David, and happy International Youth Day!