Viongozi
FUTURE LEADERS PROJECT
United Way's Future Leaders program aims to empower young people for the jobs of tomorrow by providing practical work experience and the skills necessary for future employment.
Viongozi is a Swahili word that translates into Leaders.
What is Viongozi about?
Funded by United Way of BC, African Friendship Society’s Viongozi: Future Leaders program consists of 5 cohorts of 4 young people of Black or African descent in the Metro Vancouver and Lower Mainland areas.
Over each 8-week session, the participants will receive workshops and practical work experience that develop their financial literacy, career skills, and network support.
The program is guided by consultants and coaches, professionals in employment, banking, event coordination & management, non-profit administration & management and the participants also receive mentorship from traditional African knowledge keepers.
Who is it for?
The program will run from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, and will serve youth 15-29 years old. Each cohort will receive paid work experience by training for and taking on crucial roles in the planning and executing of AFS events as follows:
Cohort 1
September-October 2024
Africa With the Masters Festival
Cohort 2
November-December 2024
AFS African Christmas Market
Cohort 3
February-March 2025
Black History Month activities and Spring Break children's camps
Cohort 4
May-June 2025
Kids in Africa Pavilion at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival
Cohort 5
July-August 2025
Summer Camps and community activities
What you get
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Receive free coaching and mentorship
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Receive free skills training
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Gain practical paid work experience
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Create your resume
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Get paid $20/hour for 25 hours of work
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Join a supportive community rooted in traditional African values
We look forward to empowering the youth of the Black community, to contributing to their successful entry into adult life and to their future employment.