On Friday, the Prince Albert Multicultural Council (PAMC) will host its inaugural Youth Ambassador Gala Night to recognize the first set of Youth Ambassadors for the PAMC.
The Youth Ambassador program is funded by the Government of Canada, and PAMC Executive Director Michelle Hassler said it’s exciting to have a few in Prince Albert.
“We have nine youth ambassadors right now, (and) we are very happy,” Hassler said. “We have maxed out our number of participants that the program needs, so we’re very thankful for that.”
The ambassadors will propose and implement youth-led initiatives centred around reconciliation, anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and democratic engagement. Each ambassador received up to $5,000 in financial assistance for their initiative or project.
The program launched in May 2023 with the aim of fostering youth engagement and participation within the community.
The ambassadors have not only worked tirelessly on their respective community projects but have also taken on roles in the newly formed PAMC Youth Council.
Hassler said the organization is happy to have filled all the spots for the first year of the program.
“The PA Multicultural Council have organised a lot of events and activities, multicultural diversity, anti-racism, events and activities all year long in the community, but our programming is mostly for adults,” Hassler explained. “Although our community events are open to everybody—to the general public—we don’t really have a specific program that is focused on youth.
“Having the Youth Ambassador program was really a proud moment for PAMC because it is our very first youth-led program.”
Hassler said that they anticipate the Gala will be a small gathering, but a typical gala with formal wear and an excellent meal. Hassler said that each Youth Ambassador would do a short PowerPoint presentation and a brief overview of the program, and the ambassadors will be receiving certifications.
“It can help with their resume building and for work in the future or for further study credits and stuff like that,” Hassler said.
The event, which is at the PAMC office, will also have a different kind of format with the youth presentations before the supper. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the presentations are expected to start at 5:30 p.m. with supper served around 7 p.m. and socializing to follow.
michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca
