The province is launching the MYMB youth outreach program to help young people from different cultures work together to break down ethnic barriers and help promote a greater respect for other cultures. This announcement was made by Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Christine Melnick.
“This exciting program will bring together positive, volunteer role models and young people so each can learn from one another, share their stories of overcoming cultural obstacles and build stronger selves and communities,” said Melnick. “Our hope is to bring together thousands of youth from different communities across the province to share their personal stories of overcoming challenges and never giving up.”
It is projected that, by 2031, more than 25 per cent of Winnipeg’s population will be people from visible minority communities, the minister said, adding this includes a growing Aboriginal community, which will come to represent up to 5.3 per cent of Manitoba’s population by that date and will require a greater need for respect for diversity and other cultures.
“Immigration has always been important to Manitoba’s success and with over 145 different languages spoken here, the need to preserve communities’ culture and learn about other groups’ customs is key to us working together to achieve our goals as a province,” said Melnick. “Ensuring Manitoba communities learn more about each other through constructive and open dialogue creates a positive and more welcoming province for all Manitobans.”
Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber, Ibrahim (Obby) Khan, is a MYMB mentor and program captain and is an example of the positive role models that participating young people will have the opportunity to connect and learn from through the MYMB youth program.
“We know that as Manitobans we are all unique when it comes to our culture, religion and racial background,” said Khan. “As Manitobans, we need to celebrate our differences and recognize the how diversity strengthens our province economically, socially and culturally.”
The team of volunteers in the program currently includes 24 individuals from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds with varying skill sets. The team members will attend events by host organizations and presentations will take place throughout Manitoba in schools, community centres, at sports camps, music camps, summer camps and other youth gatherings.
Presentation training will be provided by Kent Brown, a Manitoban and a volunteer with the MYMB program. He is a member of Motivate Canada, a recognized national charitable organization specializing in improving the lives of young people by fostering civic engagement, social entrepreneurship, social inclusion and leadership skills.
More information on the MYMB youth program is available at www.manitoba.ca/mymb.
