International Youth Day is held on August 12th of every year to celebrate the achievements of the world’s youth and to encourage their participation in positive contributions to society. It is also a day to reflect on the challenges facing youth today, and what progress we are making in British Columbia to address them.
As B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth I am pleased to recognize not only the great potential but the immense contributions of youth in our province. My Office will continue to work with you to make sure your voices – which are rightfully getting stronger every day – are heard and that together we ensure key decision-makers work with us on real ways to tackle your concerns and support your issues.
I want to thank and honour you for your personal achievements and for the work that you do in your schools and communities. As well, if you know an outstanding B.C. youth deserving of recognition, please consider nominating him or her for the Representative’s Award of Excellence.
Every year, with our Youth Leadership Award, we celebrate someone between 12 and 24 years of age, whose leadership and innovation has made a positive contribution to the youth community. Please visit www.rcybc.ca to nominate, and do so before the deadline of August 31.
As well, this year’s Champions for Children and Youth Summit, to be held in October and currently being shaped by a fantastic youth advisory team, will focus on the issues, challenges and opportunities facing immigrant youth in B.C., and we look forward to the wisdom and experiences these youth will share at this event.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond
Representative for Children and Youth, British Columbia