By Juan Camilo Poveda 

The Outreach Program at Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) has grown steadily over the past years through strong relationships with Catholic and Jesuit schools across Canada.  

Our classroom presentations and retreats have evolved into long-term partnerships, with schools participating in larger events such as Social Justice Days and CJI’s Youth for Others (Y4O) Advocacy Symposium. Schools work with CJI because students learn about Catholic Social Teaching not just in theory, but through the real-life experiences of our partners in the Global South. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, young people can engage global justice issues through relationships and solidarity. 

For many students, participation in the CJI symposium has been a next step in their formation journey. At the symposium in Ottawa last November, 84 secondary and post-secondary students gathered for three days of formation, civic engagement, and advocacy. They learned from Sr. Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist Sister and Indigenous land defender from the Brazilian Amazon, who helped them engage with issues around ecology, justice, gender, corporate accountability, and civic responsibility. The students also met withthe Speaker of the House and some Members of Parliament and observed Question Period on Parliament Hill.  

A consistent piece of feedback from symposium participants has been the importance of community. There is a desire for ongoing connection and leadership development. “I learned how much power people have when they advocate for what they believe in…it truly makes a difference,” said Lydia, a high school student from Notre Dame High School in Ottawa. “I hope to continue to advocate for myself and for those who don’t have a voice.” 

In response, CJI is consolidating the Y4O Network as a space for community and formation. A planning committee made up of student volunteers has been set up to help shape the network’s structure and priorities. This year, we plan to offer online events focused on capacity-building and fostering connections between peers. Over time, we hope to strengthen relationships with other youth justice networks around the world and expand participation in Canada. 

Juan Camilo Poveda is the Outreach Coordinator at Canadian Jesuits International.