NYLD Program Helps Palestinian Teen Adjust to Life in Canada & Make New Friends

Amro, who is originally from Palestine, moved to Canada three years ago. He has been a member of the Newcomer Youth Leadership Development (NYLD) program in East York for the past two years.

The NYLD program is designed to help youth, who are between 13-24 years of age and new to Canada, have a positive transition into Canadian culture. The program, which is currently offered at 8 locations across the GTA, provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment where youth can meet new people and gain new skills.

“My friends told me about it, so I came to the NYLD program and registered,” says Amro, “I found it fun!”

Amro says the program made the transition to life in Canada much smoother by teaching him about the culture through different activities. He also learned practical life skills, such as travelling on the TTC and how to effectively communicate with others.

As a Grade 9 student, Amro says it was great starting the school year at his high school with the new friends he had made through the program.

The East York NYLD group visited the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s headquarters on Yonge Street in Toronto this month to raise money for the Sweat For Good Challenge. The table was chalked full of artwork and baked goods for staff to purchase and enjoy.

Amro feels it’s important to give back to the community and do something good.

The Sweat for Good Challenge – YMCA’s annual peer to peer fundraising event - ensures all people, no matter their background, culture, or financial situation, can grow stronger physically, mentally, and socially through the YMCA’s programs and services.

Amro says participating in the fundraiser taught him that if you “work hard you can achieve whatever your goal is.”

Could you or someone in your life benefit from the NYLD program? More information can be found on our website.