Youth connecting to build a better Canada - Katimavik launches a new national volunteer experience

OTTAWA, Jan. 16, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Katimavik Volunteers will be returning to communities across Canada in 2018, ready to make their contributions towards shaping a better Canada. Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced the government's new Canada Service Corps, which includes funding to restore Katimavik's national community-based youth development experience.

"Diverse youth from across the country will now have an exceptional opportunity to connect and to act. The NEW Katimavik National Experience builds on our proven foundation, enriched to provide young people with the skills they need to make positive change and to thrive in the 21^st century." ? Willy Fournier, Chair, Katimavik Board of Directors.

Katimavik is well-known to many Canadians as a unique experience that transforms the lives of young people and strengthens community connections across the country. Young adults aged 18 ? 25 years old will spend 6 months living together in iconic Katimavik houses, while discovering Canada's great diversity in at least two different communities and regions. They spend weekdays volunteering with community organizations, helping others while gaining new skills. As a group, they undertake their own key learning activities and group projects. 

"My experience with Katimavik was life-changing. Not only did I gain practical skills that helped me in my career, but I got to know who I was as a person. I learned to view things from new perspectives and to work together with people of all different backgrounds to make meaningful impacts in the communities that hosted us." ? Emma Fineblit, Katimavik Volunteer 2006 - 2007 and Member, Katimavik Board of Directors. 

As part of the experiential learning opportunities in the new National Experience, Katimavik Volunteers will learn about Indigenous histories and peoples in Canada. They will connect with local Indigenous communities in partnerships and will engage in meaningful actions towards reconciliation.

"Youth in Canada are the leaders we need for reconciliation. Working with Indigenous and other partners, together we will create enriching and challenging opportunities for youth to learn, engage, and help shape a reconciled Canada." ? Andy Garrow, Director of Youth Development.

More information about Katimavik and details on how to apply for the new National Experience is available at katimavik.org.

A short video announcing the return of Katimavik is also available here.

About Katimavik:

Founded in 1977, Katimavik is a national non-profit organization that works to develop diverse youth as engaged, caring citizens and capable contributors and leaders for a better Canada.

Over the past 40 years, more than 35,000 youth have participated in Katimavik programs and have made a lasting impact in over 1,000 communities.

SOURCE Katimavik Services Jeunesse