Youth Buddies
Are you a newcomer to Canada between the ages of 12-25? Or are you eager to be a guiding friend to someone new to our country (ages 12-28)? Youth Buddies is here to weave the fabric of friendship and community for all young individuals embarking on their Canadian adventure!
Youth Buddies is more than a program; it's a community where every interaction is a step towards a united and supportive future. So, whether you're setting foot on Canadian soil for the first time or you're a local ready to extend a hand of friendship, sign up today and let's build connections that cross borders and last a lifetime.
This is your chance to make a real difference! Sign-up to share your love for Canada and become a friend to a newcomer. Engage in enriching one-on-one interactions, participate in cultural exchanges, and foster social integration that will nurture a lasting sense of belonging in our newcomer friends.
Experience a warm welcome to the vibrant Canadian Ismaili community and discover the heart of Canada with a buddy by your side. Our program is tailored to help you navigate your new surroundings with ease, offering a seamless introduction to Canadian culture, the Ismaili Jamatkhanas, and a plethora of institutional programs and services. Whether you're 12-17 (Junior) or 18-25 (Senior), we've got you covered!
Youth Buddies Junior
- For ages 12-17 - both Buddies and Newcomers
- Meetings can occur in Jamatkhana and at Bait-ul Ilm (BUI) centres
Youth Buddies Senior
- Buddies are ages 18-28 and Newcomers ages 18-25
- In addition to Jamatkhana, meetings can occur at public places such as malls, libraries, parks, universities and colleges
- Buddies are ages 12-28
- Newcomers are ages 12-25
- Yes, Buddies that are over the provincial age of majority (18 or 19 in British Columbia) will require either a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) or an Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC)
- You can obtain an E-PIC using our dedicated Sterling Back Check Link for a cost of $21 + applicable taxes
- The check will be provided directly to you within 48 hours
- Financial assistance is available if required to cover the cost
- If you have previously completed a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) from another organization and it is from within the last three (3) years, you may use this instead
Newcomers and Buddies under the provincial age of majority are not required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) or an Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).
Here are some examples!
- Attend Jamatkhana together and be introduced to Mukhi / Kamadia
- Attend BUI and sit together in class & be introduced to new friends
- Attend a Youth Club Event and meet the Youth Club Exec
- Attend Students Majalis and enjoy the event post-ceremonies
- Have a phone or video call to catch up
- Take a selfie
- Sign-up as an Ismaili Volunteer and do your first duty
In addition, for Youth Buddy Senior
- Meet up at the library and get a library card
- Check out the nearby mall
- Learn how to navigate public transity
- If enrolled in university, take part in an ISA event
Yes! Once you sign-up, you'll do a self-directed orientation session followed by a quick quiz.
In each region we have a Volunteer Management Lead and Member for Youth Settlement. They will be your main point-of-contact for any questions.
Any emergent concerns or requests for support can be forwarded directly to ACCESS:
- Fill the form at iicanada.org/access
- Call 1-888-536-3599
