Two deafening whistle blasts signified the end of a wind-blown, beauty-filled, scenic voyage aboard the Queen of Surrey and told in a bellowing tone of the adventures awaiting 10 Canadians and 10 Indonesians.
It was Aug. 26 and the Canada World Youth (CWY) team for 2005 had arrived on the Sunshine Coast.This wonderful community has greeted the youth with such warmth and grace, that members wish to introduce the group and say thank you to their new communities and families.
CWY is a non-governmental organization that was started in 1971 by the Canadian government, It receives the majority of its funding from the good people at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In the opinion of this writer, CWY's mission is of the highest regard: "To increase the ability of people, and especially youth, to participate actively in the development of just, harmonious and sustainable societies."
This lofty goal can be somewhat difficult to imagine in practice. Does it mean community service or travel or sing song in circle form? After a month of sun, fun and learning on the Coast, a picture has emerged of CWY in actual fact, a sort of recipe.
Take 10 Canadians from across the country, from Fergus, Ont., Levi, Que., Winnipeg, Man., Barrhead, Alta. and Hazleton, B.C. Make sure they are open-minded, caring, service-oriented people who are looking to change their lives. Simmer until well blended.
Add a heaping spoonful of 10 Indonesians. Like their Canadian counterparts, have them come from every corner of the largest archipelago in the world. Have them be creative, excited and eager to learn. Whisk in with the previous ingredient.
Pour the mixture into a large, open, warm community that is eager to learn and grow. Author recommends the Sunshine Coast as the best possible container. This community's ability for graciousness and caring makes it easy to adjust to a place that is so far from home.
Bake mixture for three and a half months at high intensity. Do not add any extra sugar, as this concoction already has one of the sweetest tastes you've ever experienced.
For more information regarding CWY, contact Terence Lowe at 604-741-1877 or see www.cwy-jcm.org.
Editor's note: Paul Bien hails from Kingston, Ont., and is completing his studies in the nation's capital. He is currently on the adventure of a lifetime and can be contacted with ideas, witty comments or praise at [email protected]. Bien will be writing this column about CWY every two weeks in Coast Reporter from now until the exchange ends on Nov. 25.
