ONA News November 2007

 

Spirituality . . .
   for global survival
Education . . .
   for global community
Action . . .
   for global justice

“Best Program” Report

ONA members have asked to learn about other centers' best programs. As we learn about successful programs, we will share them with you here. Send your best program report and photos to , our communications coordinator.

Tatamagouche Centre Social Justice Youth Camp

August 29 to September 2, 2007

The Fifth Annual Tatamagouche Centre Social Justice Youth Camp was a great success. Youth from across the Maritime region of Canada gathered and learned about social justice issues, and practiced new skills they acquired including video and media documentation. The camp was directed and facilitated by a diverse group of individuals including newcomers, First Nations and African- Maritime young adults. Participants were able to learn African dance, begin to understand the situation facing immigrants and refugees, find out about Fair Trade and the role of unfair economic systems, and discuss gender issues and racism.

“One week after I arrived in Canada (from a refugee camp in West Africa) I came to the Social Justice Youth camp. I immediately found a community and a family here. I’m still in touch with Yates and Sibhan, and the others. It made my going to University and coming to Canada so much easier.”

—Andrew was a participant at the first Social Justice Youth camp and came back this year as a facilitator, in association with the MultiCultural Association of Fredericton.

“J.D. was really quiet at first and I was worried about him not participating. But as the camp went on and I got to know him, I realized that that was who he was. That was the great thing about the camp, it was a safe space for everyone to be who they were.”

—Rena was a facilitator who is finishing her University degree in Sociology and works part-time with the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation.

“It was awesome. When they showed the videos… I knew that whatever they did would be really good, but when we did the video screening, Wow, that was a highlight. To see how they expressed themselves and what they wanted to say about the world. Incredible!”

—Eliza led the participants in sessions on using video as a tool to express yourself, the world around you and the issues which are most important to you. Eliza was a participant in the Atlantic First Voices project which produced a video documentary by indigenous Youth from Atlantic Canada and Latin America. Eliza works part-time at the Mi’kmaq Friendship Centre in Halifax.

The Fifth Social Justice Youth Camp had over 30 participants and a waiting list. Definitely our best year yet!

For more information about the Social Justice Youth Camp, contact at Tatamagouche Centre.