INITIATIVES

POLICE AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Police and Youth Engagement Program (PYEP) is a youth led and community driven two-week summer course that builds capacity for immigrant and refugee youth and engages police and the community for relationship building.  A principle focused evaluation on youth capacity building completed in 2018 reinforced the program’s effectiveness in responding to the need for youth to have opportunities for leadership development and empowerment and for families to trust police. This recognition of youth capacity building has promoted year-round engagement opportunities for youth to create and co-design presentations; most recently self-care and youth volunteering workshops. REACH will continue to provide support for these workshops through coordination of space, presenters, and youth leadership development.

The project manager and coordinator provide backbone support with Edmonton Police Service and youth community leaders to support their families and build positive relationships with law enforcement and culturally appropriate community building.

INITIATIVE GOALS

• Build leadership capacity with newcomer, immigrant and refugee youth.
• Build capacity for positive Canadian integration.
• Build parents’ positive perceptions and trust of police through the children.
• Youth gain cross cultural friendships.

OUTCOMES

• Increased knowledge and data related to racialization of youth, human rights, volunteerism, employment, education, leadership skills, community safety and career options for youth, and connection to Indigenous culture.

• Increased youth leadership and mentorship capacity.

• Increased opportunities for youth to volunteer.