The YMCA prepared me for the future!
Just 18 years old, Omar has a quiet strength about him. He’s mature, soft-spoken and incredibly determined! He wants to become a university professor because he feels that “we need to appreciate what we have been given. This gift of life, we cannot keep it to ourselves.”
After arriving from Jamaica in July 2008, Omar participated in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce YMCA’s day camp. There he met Galia, a youth worker who took him under her wing. In September, Omar began high school. Given his difficulties with French, Galia found a tutor to help him until the end of grade 9. He also participated in several activities in the Teen Zone, including an exchange trip to Regina.
Omar is a role model for other youth. He knows how to motivate them and feels it is important to never judge them. Still involved with the YMCA, Omar has been volunteering with the Homework Help program for almost two years. “ I can totally relate to them! Now it’s my turn to help them with their French! ”
Other inspiring stories…
Ando
Laurie
2013 Youth Engagement Summit
The YMCA fosters the potential of children
Our impact
5,600
children attended our outdoor education classes, day camps and Camp YMCA Kanawana.
2,350
youths stayed in school thanks to our YMCA Alternative Suspension and Homework Help programs.
5,600
teens visited our Youth Zones.
4,000
children and parents benefited from our family support programs and our childcare services.
$252,000
in financial assistance was granted by the YMCA to allow more than 634 children to attend camp.