YIP Spotlight: Book-a-pedia – Learn more about youth projects that received funding from our Youth Impact Project.

 

About the Youth Impact Project

The Youth Impact Project (YIP) is a collaboration between the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region (CYPT) and Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab (SWRIL).

On June 8, over 100 youth from 15 local organisations pitched their ideas to a panel of nine youth. The Youth Decision-Making Panel (“The Dragons”) decided which projects would receive funding to make their idea a reality. The Youth Impact Project looks to fund youth who are addressing local challenges which are identified through the 2023 Youth Impact Survey results. The funded projects include a focus onsupporting youth mental and physical health, increasing feelings of belonging,and responding to climate change and food insecurity.

Youth will be working on their projects untilDecember. We’re featuring each of the 12 projects!

Book-a-pedia

Who pitched the project?

Oke Oruka, Zino Oruka, Phoebe Ofunne

Supported by Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo

What problem are you addressing in Waterloo Region? 

The club focusing on books by racialized and Indigenous authors addresses the lack of representation of these voices in mainstream literature and media. By highlighting diverse perspectives, the club ensures that youth have access to stories that reflect their own experiences, which is often missing in traditional educational resources.

It promotes cultural awareness and understanding among youth by engaging them with diverse stories. This helps participants learn about different cultures, histories, and experiences, fostering empathy and reducing prejudice within the community.

By discussing themes such as identity, confidence, and resilience, the club supports youth in navigating their own identities and challenges. This is particularly empowering for racialized and Indigenous youth who may struggle with issues related to their cultural background.

Regular sessions create a sense of community and belonging among participants, which can be crucial for marginalized youth who may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers. This supportive environment helps build connections and friendships based on shared experiences and discussions.

The club also promotes literacy and critical thinking by encouraging reading and thoughtful discussion. Engaging with complex themes and diverse narratives enhances literacy skills and intellectual growth, which are essential for academic and personal development.

Finally, by focusing on books by racialized and Indigenous authors, the club supports and uplifts marginalized voices, contributing to a more inclusive literary landscape. This effort helps improves the sense of belonging & social and educational inequities, fostering a more inclusive and understanding community in the Region of Waterloo.

What are you going to do with the money?

We are going to buy books, promotional materials, refreshment, stationery & supplies, logistics, swags, games, honorariums and library posts.