University of the Fraser Valley

Published purpose

The “Development for a new Generation” project increases awareness, understanding, and engagement of youth (13 to 18 years of age) in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia. It explains Canada’s approach to the implementation of sustainable international development projects with reference to health and basic education. The project is based on the idea that youth in both developing and developed countries can cooperate with each other to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) interns deliver engagement presentations in twenty (20) secondary school. The presentations offer examples and models of youth-to-youth international cooperation projects. They also focus on the importance to move to action by developing and participating in international youth-to-youth development activities. All youth who attend the engagement presentations are invited to a subsequent skills development workshop designed to enhance their skills in conceptualizing, developing and managing a sustainable youth-to-youth development project. Social networking, web sites and video conferencing are some of the tools used to support and motivate youth participants throughout the project. The final activity is a youth-planned day of networking opportunities in order to celebrate youth in international development. It includes workshops, breakaway discussions, information exchange, and guest speakers. The event brings together students from high schools that hosted a youth engagement presentation as well as UFV students.