Articles of the Month

Lianna's Trip to the Youth Employment Summit!

When youth.gc.ca's partner in Manitoba mentioned the Youth Employment Summit being held in Alexandria, Egypt from September 7-11, 2002, I could hardly contain my excitement. Youth leaders from across the globe coming together to launch a decade of sustainable employment? What an exciting and ambitious feat. I wondered ? how could youth.gc.ca be involved in such a unique worldwide collaboration?

After trying many avenues, I hit a brick wall. I was left to inform the YES Secretariat at Education Development Center (a Massachusetts based organizations) that we could not attend as a delegate. Lo and behold, an e-mail arrives a week before the event with an invitation for a scholarship that would enable me to travel and participate at the event in Egypt. I tell you, I nearly fell off my chair at work. I became instantly enthused of the vast opportunities to promote youth.gc.ca at an international event. My lesson: persistence, enthusiasm and dedication do not go unnoticed.

My time in Alexandria was by far the most culturally enriching experience of my life. Having the chance to connect with over 140 countries where youth undertake massive obstacles to mobilize their communities was truly inspiring. Their ideas, work and ambition combined with the strength that youth bring to the table is an unstoppable force. I was awestruck at their tender age and widespread accomplishments.

You gain first hand knowledge of what struggle really is through the wisdom imparted by those representing developing nations. We all venture through our own personal struggles, but we, as Canadians, live in a time where democracy is strong and choices and freedom are taken for granted. We are blessed with the luxury of choosing to become self-employed in Canada. We have numerous programs established to help our youth do so "our biggest problem" creating awareness about such programs. Now consider trying to set up your own business with aspirations of employing local youth. Think about how you would establish this business when your government is corrupt. These are places where you pay for an office, but there is no, and never will be, electricity. These are places where you parents die fighting for democracy. How do you manage? How about in a country such as Somalia where the government was overthrown in 1991 by rebels? How does a society of youth participate in decision-making and establish well needed programs when there is no established government? These are questions that the majority of Canadians do not deal with or address on a daily basis. These are the issues that touched and moved me throughout my week in Alexandria.

The days were long and frustratingly disorganized, but the people "each and every one from around the world" touched my heart. I spoke passionately about youth.gc.ca and all the wonderful young people who worked on the project and listened empathetically to the hardship and success others have found in their own countries. Youth.gc.ca Frisbees, pens and webcards were distributed to all in the hope that I would peak the curiosity of others and in return they would visit our site.

I have never been as proud to be Canadian. Each and every delegate I spoke with received me with a huge smile and handshake/hug once I said, "Hi, I'm Lianna from Canada". We are a nation that cares, that prides our peaceful nature and our ability to connect with others worldwide. We are welcome globally and do not fear discrimination based on our nationality. For this, I am thankful. I am proud of the country in which I reside and associate with so dearly.

I will never forget the friendships and encounters made during my stay. I feel enriched by the experience. Life around me gained meaning. Meeting another delegate from Afghanistan and listening to the hope and energy in his voice made me melt. Suddenly, a country in conflict that seemed removed from my own daily existence was brought forward - it was tangible. During one of the main workshops, a young man approached the microphone and stated his name and nationality: Palestinian. The crowd of thousands began to clap. Tears welled in my eyes for this stranger - connected to me through our youth, but distanced by our different realities. A world of support behind the anguish this young man faces in his homeland. The whole experience was moving, challenging, and a cultural awakening. It was amazing to experience a glimpse into the lives of youth globally.

I must also express the generosity of the Egyptian people. Their hospitality and kindness was so very touching. From Khaled, to Omar to Mustafa - thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me throughout my journey. And a special thank you to Maha who touched my soul in a way I could never explain. To Dumisani at EDC for giving me the opportunity to attend and soak in everyone's life experience. To my fabulous roommates - Barbara and Alexandria (and her husband Daniel) - you were all just too wonderful for words. To Ben and Jason for taking me under their wing and always making me laugh and smile. Thank you to Lisa at Realm for sharing your articles and Taking IT Global for your kindness and sincerity. To Brenley for sharing his worldly experiences and Ezekiel for letting me share in his joy while showing me pictures of a conference he organized in Ghana. And to Ziga and Christina - the brilliance you share at such a young age is truly admirable. To everyone I shook hands with, hugged and kissed. I will never forget the experience, the love and acceptance found among 1,500 young souls around the world.

The summit produced the first ever Alexandria Declaration and a 10-year plan of action that elaborates on the declaration's guiding principles. Sixty country networks have been established and hundreds more will be organized. I wish all of you my heartfelt encouragement and support.

Together we can attain miracles through sharing, loving, and believing in the spirit of our youth.

Click to enlarge pictures!