Cultural Coaches
Cultural coaches facilitate youth-driven programming through the Action for Teens program.
Cultural coaches work with ethno-cultural youth who need support adjusting to life in Canada or reconnecting to their culture. They help youth strengthen their sense of identity and belonging and their self-confidence. In addition to newcomers, cultural coaches work with second- and third-generation immigrant youth who know little about their culture of origin or don’t see the importance of being connected to their heritage. They assist them in learning more about their culture, re-establishing bonds to their cultural community, and increasing their natural support systems.
With this type of support, The Family Centre believes that youth will better understand and be more equipped to cope with the cultural differences they are experiencing in their new country, school, and community. The desired outcome for the program is to make youth less vulnerable and more resilient to cultural challenges.
What will they get out of the program?
Cultural coaches work with youth to:
- Establish positive relationships with peers through coaching, role modelling, mentoring, and support
- Determine their unique social and recreation needs and interests
- Increase their network of social support
- Develop new skills (social, communication, problem solving, coping, etc.)
- Become more aware of their strengths and qualities (leadership, empowerment, boundaries, positive identity, commitment to learning, etc.)