Young Mind Matters!!!!

“If we are to reach real peace in this world…. we shall have to begin with children”-Mahatma Gandhi.

 HMA Youth wing founded in 2019 to provide youth an opportunity to empower them and maintain the following objectives:

1. Organize and maintain a youth wing within the HMA main association to promote the value of cultural heritage among our youth.
2. Promote social and cultural exchange with other Malayalee and Canadian organizations.
3.Participate and provide charitable donations to those in need.

It is crucial to give them the opportunity to talk and express themselves. The more we engage our youth to become culturally aware and responsive to their varied life experiences, the more likely we will be able to respond to their voices and needs effectively. Since the start of the youth wing, we offer:

● Caring relationship from at least one adult in each youth’s life other than their parents
● Youth Participation—includes volunteer opportunities for youth to have a voice, multiple choices, leadership, a solid input in decision-making and a sense of belonging.
● Community Involvement—opportunities for the youth to connect and impact their
community in positive ways.
● Career guidance/Skill building—Youth will explore various career paths to decide whether the proposed career/skill work shop match their personal passions or skills.
● The opportunity to build a strong genuine relationship between themselves leading to learning from each other, sharing with each other and caring for each other.

Youth, are you or your parents interested in taking part in our youth wing ? It’s a great way to have your voice heard and to participate in important decision making. It’s also a fabulous opportunity to learn more about your community and help make it an even better place. In the past youth had actively involved in earth cleaning activities, digital learning lessons, pioneering a youth band and Keralapiravi cultural activities.

Recognising our humble efforts, the city of Halton specially mentioned in their news letter and assigned us as the team coordinator of one of the Halton’s prestigious park-Coronation park. Isn’t that indeed an honour!?

“3B. NEW AND JUST ADDED! In the future, Coronation Park will have new coordinators:
No one other than the members of The Halton Malayalees Association. This group and their youth coordinator Seema Nambiar, look forward to assembling their more than one hundred members for a thorough cleaning of this park next year; twenty five members were able to attend this year. This park, haven of recreation for everyone in the community, is a jewel to be protected and cherished. A big welcome, congratulations and thank you is extended to Youth wing, Seema Nambiar and the HMA!

John Erven, the lead Hand for Environmental Services at the Parks Department also has suggested that such a large group like the HMA would be ideal for this location to help rake up fallen branches and twigs and to return stones to the shoreline. John is a big supporter of the Clean Up, delivers the bags and gloves to us for our distribution to coordinators each year, takes

the 3’x4’ map reproductions to all town facilities for display and shares tips about where clean ups are particularly needed around town each spring.”

All the motivated teenagers are encouraged to join our HMA youth wing. As a first step please reply to haltonmalayalees@gmail.com with yours and your kids’ contact information.