Youth experience work in Mexico

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As part of a work experience program involving the Oteenaw Employment and Training Society, the Metis Nation of Alberta and Canada World Youth, eight young people from Edmonton will be travelling to Mexico in January.

The Aboriginal Youth Leadership program will give the participants a chance to gain practical work experience, share cultural values and obtain leadership skills.

The group is headed to Amatlan, Mexico, an Indigenous community of 800 people. The program consists of a two-week orientation before the trip, as well as a one-week re-entry phase when they arrive home in mid-April. Although the participants will not get paid for their work while in Mexico, they will receive money for essentials and upon completion of the program will each receive a stipend of $1,000.

The four First Nation's and four Metis youth are scheduled to live with host families in the community while they volunteer.

"They will be in an Indigenous community where there are many similarities between the two cultures," said Charlene Ball, program officer for Canada World Youth. "The cross-cultural aspect of this program is the international experience for the youth. In this case there will be a fairly large focus on their Aboriginal identity, sharing their history and values. Broadening their world view and sharing experiences with other Indigenous people is important for youth," she said.

"It is quite warm in the community that we will be going to. Last year's group enjoyed being away from Edmonton for the winter," said Ball.

Ball said the deadline for the program has been extended and applications for the project are still being accepted until mid-November.

"I do not want to discourage people from contacting us after that date just in case we still have positions available. We are really encouraging anyone who is interested to contact us so that they could address the questions they may have," said Ball.

Jennifer Chong from the Cold Lake First Nation who has a degree in physical education was part of the group in 2001. She found the host families extremely hospitable and having to learn the Spanish language in two weeks a challenge.

"It was excellent. I was basically adopted into my house family; they were extremely welcoming, warm and receptive. The moment that you go and visit someone in the community, the hostesses would offer you food. There was an adjustment overall. The temperature, the food and the language are different there. I had to teach in Spanish so improving upon my Spanish was what I did most evenings. We were getting sunburn the first week of January. It was fantastic. If anybody ever has a chance to travel, I'd so recommend it. It is a learning experience outside of a school setting," she said.

"In this program we learn about the Mexican culture, how they practice their traditional beliefs and we also share our culture and beliefs with them, said Chong. "I would say to the eight that are going out there to make the most of their time. Before I reached mid-point in the project it was like 'Oh, this is such a long program. Am I going to make it?' And all the rest of it and then you get to the half-way and you go, 'Oh man, there is only half way left. Oh no, we are going home right away." So enjoy every single day there and make the most of it," said Chong.

For further information you can call Charlene Ball at Canada World Youth, 780-432-1877.