J’ai immigré au Canada dans une province ou l’on ne parle pas français. Are you a bit confused, or wondering if I forget to erase the first sentence of my story? That is how my two sons and I felt when we first came to Calgary in 2008. We thought that because Canada has two official languages, everyone in Calgary would speak French! BUT NO.
I created Le PIA a not-for-profit organization that helps new francophone immigrants in Calgary and area. PIA has expanded new program such as Franco Festival Calgary (FFC); Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS), Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), women program and counseling.
Imagine a place where every young person feels safe, supported, and inspired to dream big. A place where they can learn, grow, and build the skills they need to succeed in life.
This is the vision behind the Francophone Youth Center a transformative space dedicated to empowering the next generation. But we can’t make this vision a reality without your help.
Why a Youth Center Matters:
For many francophone ethno-cultural young people in our community, the streets are their only option after school. Without a safe space to go, they face challenges like violence, substance abuse, and limited opportunities.
The Francophone Youth Center will change that. It will be a place where:
• Teens can access mentorship, tutoring, and career readiness programs.
• Young people can explore their passions through arts, sports, and technology.
• Youth facing challenges can find counseling, support, and a sense of belonging.
The youth center is more than a building—it’s a lifeline for our community. Donate today and help us create a space where young people can dream, grow, and succeed.