Northern Youth Abroad

Bryan Kimiksana from Ulukhaktok hosted in Ramotswa, Botswana

Hulloooo it is Bryan here !!! Im am doing great here in Ramotswa I really love this country man. I am having a lot of fun here itz deal .Went to metto’s wedding it lasted 3 days like 3 days a partying sounds fun but I don’t know maybe I’ll have one here lmao. It is really different here in this country compared to Canada like the landscape is fairly nice, its dry , cold, hot, and dusty. I am a bit homesick sure am missing the brothers right now mostly my baby brother miss him to bits. I did my home stay this week it was fun with Tshepiso we went to his house and met his family nice and kind people they are. He took us to the farm and showed us how much land they own it is a lot of land they even own a lake they have its awesome we ate there traditional foods we ate the way they eat which was cool the dumbling has to be my favorite food out of their traditional food. What else this country makes me appreciate what I have back home its like the technology here is stuck in the 80’s but am still luffin it here its like I never want to leave here like I thought Canadians were friendly they are so much friendlier here. I almost forgot I am known as Peter here pretty funny Peter is a participant that was placed here a few years back that I so happen to look alike. Next week we are going on a safari which will last about a week  maybe. This feeling I have here can not be expressed by any words its like I feel like am home just the fam is not around the bro’s which I miss dearly. Scorpion today Jacob battled it with a twig which was funny ,and oh yeah my roommate is the greatest I say. Nothing else to say but I miss Canada a lot and I miss my bed, my brother Chris, and I miss my family it is good to be sober for this long time and good. I think this is the change I was looking for. Change for the family would be good. This trip has made me think of how good I have it back home. Anyways if your reading this mom I love u a lot and I miss u guys I cant wait to go back to re-orientation in ottawa  and get back home.

Yours truly, Bryan kimiksana

Love peace and chicken grease.

Josephine Martin from Inuvik hosted in Westmeath, ON

 

Well my name is Josephine Martin & I’m from Inuvik NWT. I’m here in Ontario – Westmeath, doing the Northern Youth Aboard program and I’m loving every minute of it! I’m getting such a great experience out of it, I’m doing so many things I’ve never heard of before and never thought I would do! I went water rafting, I’ve been to a farm before but I never did know what happens inside of the barn and now I know, I went shopping on Ottawa with Kiyana and Jennifer, I rode in a ruby red sports car, I went to the movies, and I seen one of my friends from Inuvik here in Pembroke and many more to come. The best thing about this trip is my JOB; I couldn’t have asked for a better job, I work for the United way and there an organisation that helps programs by donating money to help there program but it also depends what the program is, like right now we donated money to a group who started a camp of kids who’s parents or guardians died in the war’s. The camp is for kids all around Canada and their goal is to help them, have fun with them. After high school I’m going to apply for college in Ottawa and maybe university afterwards and try get a job for united way again, and Dave my boss loves me so he will defiantly hook me up, he’s already told me he’s almost ready to hire me, and that I would be good for the company cause I have such good ideas and they need a native people on board. So I’m love my time here in Westmeath with Kiyana, and I’m exited to get back to camp and see everyone!! Miss you all so much!

 

Sincerely,

Josephine Martin

 

 

 

 

Kyra from Ndilo Hosting in Ramotswa, Botswana

Hello fellow humans. Kyra Sangris here, reporting from Ramotswa, Botswana. I got to say it is mighty grand here! The people are really friendly when we pass by them. The trees are pretty crazy with all the thorns that seem like they are out to get you. The dirt roads that are never ending when we go on walks to the store, and the animals! Woo, the animals here are well… casual. Ha-ha! Before we got here we stayed in London for a few hours and I loved it! We saw Buckingham Palace, the big ol’ clock and the church were Price William and Kate Middleton got married! Afterwards, we were off to Gaborone where we met with WUSC (World University Service of Canada) to get shown around town and learn about our work placements. J I got to admit; I did a little too much shopping. Hopefully everything will fit into my suitcase! Time flew by and before we knew it, we were all off to our host towns. I miss everyone in to Shakawe group but we shall reunite in a matter of weeks. So, in Ramotswa, we’ve met everyone at the youth center we will be working at, gone to a two-day wedding which was AMAZING. I’m thinking of getting married here ha-ha! I laughed when I was told it was going to be cold here. I knew it was winter, but I didn’t think it was going to be this cold. It’s pretty chilly in the morning but by 11 a.m, I’m starting to sweat. I’m missing home every now and then, which is normal of course. I can’t wait to start work and hanging out with the kids 24/7. I just have to say: my group is a bunch of good chaps! We’re just been hanging out, laughing, talking, and just being ourselves which makes every day worthwhile. I don’t want to start boring everyone so I’m just going to say… I LOVE NORTHERN YOUTH ABROAD! I can’t believe I got this opportunity to be in Africa at such a young age.  I’ll be back here in the future for sure. Now, I’m going to go and enjoy my supper with everyone. Kyra Sangris, over and out.

 
Kyra working hard at the marshmallow challenge during Orientation week

Alannah From Baker Lake Hosting in Shakawe, Botswana

I’m Alannah Ikinilik from Baker Lake, Nunavut. I started my journey June 29 to start my International Phase. When I arrived to Ottawa I was very excited to meet my group and group leaders. The group I’m in with is Brian Jr. Sulurayok, Chelsea Klengberg, Brandon Etsemba-Sangris, Kara Kakfwi and Arielle Tinqui. The name for my group leaders is Melanie Dostie and Levi Eegeesiak Junior. The place where I am right now is in Shakawe. I left Canada on July 10 to London, England for 10 hours and I couldn’t 
believe I saw the big clock, the transportation I saw was shocking because the driver’s side is on the right side and my group leader was on the left where the driver should be. It was so unbelievable when I was walking around near everything it was just so awesome. I really liked the payphones and the taxi cabs. When I tried their food at a restaurant it was so good and got so full right away.

I also went to Gaborone for three nights for a little orientation to learn about HIV/AIDS and a bit of their culture and I was shocked by how much there was to see. During the day in Gaborone me, Jacob, Chelsea, Brian Jr., and Brian would be outside the building passing around with a football for couple minutes which was fun. On our last day in Gaborone both groups went to the field to play soccer or Volly-ball and played a game and it was so awesome. When our group arrived in Maun by bus it took 6 hours to go from Gaborone to Maun. The next day, we went on the bus for about 7 hours to go to Shakawe from Maun. On the 12^th of July we finally made it to Shakawe from Maun and it took 6 or 7 hours. It was a long ride but it was exciting because I wanted to be here and get off the bus. I had so much fun while being on the bus for those couple days. Our group is staying at the Day Care Center which is a beautiful building. On the Second day, our group met the chief of Shakawe. We needed to use a dress or skirt to meet him and I found out it’s because it is a sign of respect. It was so awesome to meet the mayor of the community. I’m really enjoying my summer with my group and they are so awesome and I just can’t believe I’m on the other side of the world.

 
           Alannah with Canadian phase participant Rahabi during Orienation week

 

Alannah relaxing between Orientation Sessions

 

Jacob From Inuvik Hosting in Ramotswa, Botswana

Hey its Jacob in Ramotswa Africa having a great time here flying from Ottawa to London was a long flight but worth it. In London England we went to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and also tried new food. Southern Africa is amazing. we met with WUSC, stayed at university of Botswana went shopping met a lot of people the people here are very nice and friendly. There isn't too much to do during the night besides sitting by the fire or playing cards. We walk pretty much every where. We also went to a wedding which was mind blowing I would say Mayto was so beautiful it was a three day wedding he and her family and friends prepared a delicious meal we had fresh cow and all this other yummy food. We also went in to Gabs to do some shopping. Everything here is so cheap. Sure loving my time in Africa. Out group is all getting along to. Just turned 19 yesterday to that was a fun day hanging with everyone eating cake sitting around by the fire.were also starting work tomorrow to cant wait to help out the community. I love NYA it’s the best thing that ever happened to me getting to travel half way around the world to help out a community. I am going to sit be the fire and wait for some cows or some kind of animals to walk by the house I love the wildlife here bye for now. Miss you all.

   
            Jacob hard at work in the marshmallow challenge at Orientation

 

Jaypiti Olayuk, from Arctic Bay Hosting in Sooke, BC

I am staying in Sooke BC. My host family are great, I am comfortable with them. My host buddly Waylon, is fun and funny. I have taken lots of photos. So far, I like my work placement. I have two places so far, One is helping kids and one is working in a garden. I am helping to build things too. I have ridden a bus three times, had two swimming lessions and one piano lession. I have jump on a trampoline, went to Bob, and Verna's Fruit tree nursery and went to a Toast Masters meeting with my host family. I went to China town, ate at a Chinese Buffet and can eat jello with chopsticks. I have eaten at A&W's, Boston's Pizza, Thai Restaurant, Zaller's for breastfast and my favourite subway. I have been there four times. Now I'm tired of It. I have been shopping at a mall, Costco, Wal-Mart, Sport Check and Future Shop.Pepis costs $1:50 a can here. I have tried different foods. Thai food-good; Olives-not soo good; Sushi-yucch; nectarine-no;pizzapops-yes; pizza-yum, good! I am doing my first presentation on saturday, July 16. There will be maybe 40 people. My host family is taking pictures of It.

Jaypiti demonstrates one of the Inuit Games he participates in at Orientation:

 

Below Jaypiti helps First Aid instructor Steve in a demonstration:

 

2011 Canadian and International Placements have begun

 
On July 1st our 44 Canadian and International Program participants arrived in Ottawa from communities across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Together with staff and volunteers the group spent 6 days together at our Program Orientation where the participants took part in a number of sessions and activities aimed at preparing them for their placements - which are now under way!While it the participants took some time to adjust to 30+ heat and way too many bugs, Orientation was a fantastic experience and the group came quickly together and enjoyed the time as a team.

Our Canadian Participants departed for their host families on Thursday July 7th and in pairs travelled to communities in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Our International Program Participants spent one more day of preparation in Ottawa before leaving for their long journey to Botswana on the evening of Friday July 8th. There travels took them through London, England, Johannesburg, South Africa and then finally to Gaborone, Botswana - where they are now taking part in a 2 day in country Orientation.

We wish all of our participants a very happy, safe and rewarding placement!

We will be adding a few photos today, and we will begin posting our participant blog posts later this week, so please keep checking back to read about their adventures all summer.