Finding healing and a new mission in life | YMCA Strong Kids Campaign

Ernest Dushime fled the war-torn Republic of Burundi in Africa at the age of 12 after his parents were killed and his 7 siblings were lost in the civil war. He finally settled in Canada in 2006. Facing a new environment alone and grieving the loss of his family, he became withdrawn and could not connect with his peers.

Thanks to the YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP) in Calgary that helps immigrant youth stay committed to their high school education, Ernest found a new sense of belonging in his local community.

“It’s amazing to be part of the YMCA, getting to share my feelings with people who have been in the same situation,” said Ernest.

The YMCA program coordinator noticed Ernest’s potential and invited him to attend the Western Canada Leadership Conference for youth at the Camp Chief Hector YMCA. Both the YMAP and the Leadership Conference are in part supported by the funds raised by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, an annual fundraising campaign to give children in need access to their local YMCAs.

The welcoming and safe environment of the Camp transformed Ernest over the course of a weekend. He participated in several workshops exploring issues surrounding global sustainability, self expression, diversity, and the power of the individual to propel social change.

He found his voice to share his story and to use his understanding of conflict and loss to help his peers who have also experienced trauma.

“The YMCA helps a lot of kids who are struggling and I can help make a difference too. I have cried those same tears and I can help those kids just like me,” said Ernest.

He is now working for the YMCA School Support Program, supporting to the YMCA that helped him found his new life in Canada.

The YMAP program offered by the YMCA of Calgary motivates approximately 250 teenagers to succeed in high school. Most of the participants are immigrant youth like Ernest representing 35 cultures from around the world. Thanks to the funding provided by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, YMAP youth achieve an impressive 96 per cent high school graduation rate.