Yukon Youth are envisioning a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable world this Saturday at the Transportation Museum

WHITEHORSE, YT — ”How are Yukon’s youth building the world they want to live in?”  

Answers to this question are the centrepiece of an evening of Middle Eastern food, bhangra dancing, music and the creation of chairs of belonging this Saturday, October 5, at the Yukon Transportation Museum from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. 

Hosted by BYTE-Empowering Youth, the Northern Council for Global Cooperation and the World University Service Canada Student Refugee (WUSC-SRP) committee at Yukon College, the event aims to bring attention to the need for equitable opportunities for youth in a worldwide refugee crisis, empower youth to be part of the needed change in the world and highlight the positive impact newcomers are having on Canada.  

The WUSC-SRP committee has sponsored two refugee students from Syria since 2016. Both students, Tareef Jaamour and Abed Alaboud, are now permanent residents of Canada. They will each share their stories at the event. The committee is now fundraising to assist a third refugee student attend Yukon University next September. All proceeds raised through the ticket sales are assisting this goal. 

“Out of the over 70 million refugees of the world, we are working extremely hard to raise awareness and funds to help just one refugee student have a future. This can seem so hopeless at times, but the richness we have gained through supporting the past two students leaves no doubt that it is worthwhile. The smallest action is meaningful and worthwhile,” said Birgit Martens, Yukon College WUSC-SRP committee member.  

"Over two decades, BYTE - Empowering Youth is fortunate to have realized this relationship-building work in about 20 Northern communities. So much of this has to do with maintaining and/or building safe spaces, havens, sanctuaries in youth centres, on the land, in schools, baseball diamonds, and more. We are inspired by the leadership the WUSC local committee has shown at Yukon College in collaboration with other partners. The Student Refugee Program is a good reminder that we have room at the table," said Asad Chishti, community outreach manager, BYTE-Empowering Youth. 

"The Northern Council for Global Cooperation (NCGC) is proud to stand by the work of the Yukon College WUSC Refugee Committee. Asylum is a human right - and we know our communities are richer and more resilient as a result of the diversity, skills and experiences that refugees bring to them, " Brittney Potvin, program manager, NCGC. 

Tickets to Building the Future We Want are $20 ($15 for students) available via the Facebook Event (https://chrtbl.com/wusc-yt) or EventBrite.