On June 28, our Agency hosted the latest visit of the Canada and Japan-Toronto Youth Exchange Programme, continuing a 26-year tradition of cross-cultural learning and connection. Established in 1994 through a partnership with the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (PARC) and Peace Winds Japan, a non-governmental organization focused on community-building initiatives, the program began as an opportunity for Japanese youth to learn from young people in Toronto about navigating the child welfare system.
This year, we welcomed 14 participants from Japan, including high school students, youth from children’s homes and an isolated island community in the Japan Sea, along with five supervisors. They spent the day meeting with four youth connected to our Agency and PARC who shared their experiences and insights. Members of Project Outsiders, also joined to talk about their documentary, “The Youth in Care Project,” which told the stories and experiences of four former youth in care.
A Day of Connection and Learning
“This year, what stood out to me was seeing all of our PARC young people and Japanese youth in conversation, sharing curiosity and laughing together,” said Asifa Malik, Adolescent Center Worker, Child and Youth Services-PARC at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST). “There was a genuine interest on both sides to learn from one another, which is amazing to witness. Through feedback from Peace Winds, we also heard how inspired their youth and staff felt after the visit.”
This year’s group brought a unique perspective, with many conversations focusing on the importance of youth voice, advocacy and future goals. Youth explored how they could use their experiences to drive change in their own communities.
Why This Program Matters
“This is undeniably a valuable experience for everyone involved,” said Asifa. Her sentiment is shared by Natasha Tucker, Director of Child and Youth Services at CAST, who shared that “The long-standing partnership is a testament to the power of connection and engagement. One of the most important parts of this experience is the impact on all the young people. They get to build leadership skills, expand their knowledge, and gain confidence in sharing their voices.”
Shaping Ideas and Initiatives
The exchange does more than build cultural understanding. It sparks new ideas and advocacy efforts both here and in Japan. “Our Japanese partners have told us how this experience has inspired them to create youth advocacy groups and even explore developing a centre like PARC in Japan,” Natasha said. “For CAST, it reinforces the importance of youth voice in shaping the services we provide and the policies we support.”
Looking Ahead
At CAST, we are focused on building our community connections to strengthen our Service delivery, evolve our thinking, and support the creation of bridges and connections for young people involved with us, both locally and globally.
We are grateful to Peace Winds Japan and all the participants for the openness, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue they brought to this year’s exchange. We look forward to continuing this important work together and creating more opportunities for young people to learn from one another and lead change in their communities.
