New Brunswick Teens Explore Toronto’s Rich History & Cultural Diversity Through Exchange
On April 13, students from Wolastoq Education Initiative, who live on Tobique First Nation reserve in New Brunswick, arrived in Toronto as part of the Youth Exchange Canada (YEC) program. They got acquainted with one another and shared pieces of their culture during a potluck dinner and traditional welcoming ceremony with Indigenous drumming at the home of one of their host families.
It was just the start to their almost 1-week stay in the city — an adventure 17-year-old exchange student Farah said she wanted to take part in because:
“I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people and I thought it would be fun!”
Farah says her favorite part of the exchange was participating in a scavenger hunt. During this activity, the students got to know each other better, and build their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, all while familiarizing themselves with Toronto and its transit system.
Afterwards, the youth headed to the Roger’s Centre to watch a Blue Jay’s game.
In addition to exploring the city, these exchange students also gave back to it. On day 3, they took the ferry to Centre Island where they helped clean up the beach and YMCA Day Camp areas.
Youth also developed their green thumbs by working in the YMCA Academy’s Community Garden.
Later in the week, YMCA Academy staff members took them on a guided tour of the city, including Kensington Market, Chinatown, University of Toronto’s campus, and the Toronto Public Library. So, they experienced first-hand the diverse cultures of Toronto.
Farah says she would definitely recommend YEC to her friends back home.
“It’s good to meet other kids,” she says. “They have amazing stories!”
Javier, a Grade 12 student at YMCA Academy, loved making connections with the other students from New Brunswick.
“It’s been really fun interacting with new people and getting to know their experiences,” he says.
Wolastoq Education Initiative will be hosting the YMCA Academy exchange group in New Brunswick from May 18-24.
Interested in taking your class or youth group on an exchange? Apply today!
Follow YEC on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay connected with other exchanges happening across Canada.
The YMCA Youth Exchanges Program is funded by the Government of Canada.
