Now in its 21st year, Victoria Foundation’s Vital Youth program has helped amplify youth voice and power in 12 schools across three school districts in the capital region. This youth-informed program supports students in discussing and pinpointing their values, researching critical issues, and choosing up to three charities to recommend to the Victoria Foundation Board of Directors for approval to receive $3,000 in grant funding.
Referencing Victoria Foundation’s Vital Signs Report, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the Vital Youth program participants explore how to support their community. Victoria Foundation Director of Strategic Initiatives, Tracy Cullen, observes, “Today, youth are interested in being part of the solution. The Vital Youth program creates a positive way for youth to learn about the issues that are happening in their community, and to engage to make a difference.” In its first year of the program, Catherine Thijs, the Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS) Vital Youth teacher-facilitator, remarks, “They really get to know the charities — become more critically aware. In the digital world, there is so much information students are bombarded with. It is inspiring to see them distill all of the information and observe how capable they are.”
“Until I was taking up those leadership roles, honestly, I felt a little bit hopeless. Our generation is dealing with a lot. Vital Youth opened our eyes to the people working on it and showed us we can make a tangible impact,” says Eden Andarge, Esquimalt High School, third-year Vital Youth program participant.
Every year, participating schools begin work with the program by forming Vital Youth committees within already established clubs or programs. Students work through the Vital Youth workbook and identify up to two student liaisons to attend site visits and all-cohort events. At Esquimalt High School, Vital Youth is part of the school leadership program. “But anyone interested can join. It’s good to have a mix of grades on the council. Then, when grade 12 students leave, they aren’t starting from nothing,” explains Andarge.
The Vital Youth program started in 2003, 21 years ago, with three participating schools. Now, there are more than 12 each year. “If every high school did this, that would be extraordinary. Kids take this experience with them. Vital Youth is not dependent on marks — it’s about empowering youth to feel and know they are making a difference in their community,” states Thijs.
The Vital Youth program builds community by empowering youth, the leaders of tomorrow. “There are not a lot of opportunities for youth and philanthropy,” observes Parklands Secondary and third-year Vital Youth program participant Sofia Vera. Some participants, like Andarge, Balaiah, and Vera, were raised in community-minded households. Even so, “it was a reality shock how many crucial issues are happening in our community. You don’t realize how close it hits home and, to you specifically — how many people are struggling. It motivates you to do more,” describes Balaiah.
The Vital Youth program enabled us to
connect to other students with similar
priorities and goals. The program made me
feel hopeful. We are on the right path, trying
to figure out how to act to create change.
— Drishti Balaiah, Parkland Secondary,
Second-year Vital Youth participant
The Vital Youth program also builds community by empowering youth to give back to non-profits that have made significant differences. In Esquimalt, the Rainbow Kitchen, a non-profit that strengthens food security, has furnished Esquimalt High School with a breakfast program, food baskets, and an open fridge that anyone can access whenever they need. Andarge reveals, “They got rid of the stigma around
food scarcity. Before, not having certain things or not having the money was shameful. The Rainbow Kitchen created a safe and loving space to ask the office for food and breakfast. They created a really big change. I don’t have the words to explain the difference between how it was a few years ago.”
Through meetings with non-profits online or in person, Vital Youth participants decide which organizations are the best fit for their group’s interests and values. “We were invited to tour the Victoria Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Centre by the Executive Director. It was such an experience. We fell in love with this organization. The interaction changed us — seeing where people go to get support and counseling, especially when they can’t afford it,” shares Vera. This critical service provider was in the process of relocating and expanding services, so the support, grant, and recognition were timely. Vital Youth culminates in a celebratory event with youth presenting their committee’s journeys, the registered charity of their choice’s impact, and reflections over decadent desserts. Each cohort attends with Victoria Foundation staff, donors, board members, Honourary Governors, and community non-profit leaders. Connecting generations, values, youth, and organizations, Vital Youth is ready to meet the challenges of the future.