Transforming passion into purpose

From July 8-13, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Canada welcomed 92 young people to Acadia University to participate in our youth-led forum Passion to Purpose (P2P).

Passion to Purpose is an initiative developed under the Canada Service Corps, a federal programme that is being developed by youth, for youth. The programme is designed to foster civic leadership in young Canadians who engage in inspirational Duke Talks, workshops, team building exercises and outdoor activities.

This year, Passion to Purpose focused on five core themes:

  • Finding your spark: On day one, participants were challenged to brainstorm how their project could benefit their community in a responsible and effective way.
  • Good Health and Wellbeing: The focus for day two was on the importance of maintaining physical and mental health, while promoting healthy activity and leadership within their communities. We also explored the iTTransfomportance of emotional intelligence as a skill that all strong leaders must possess.
  • The Fabric of Canada: On day three, we focus on the importance of ensuring participants projects would instil the values of inclusivity, resilience and sustainability within your community. This included activities to build understanding through our shared history through an interactive workshop with Indigenous community leaders.
  • Reduced Inequalities: The focus for day four was on the importance of reducing inequalities within Canada through innovative project ideas. Alumni from the Regina 2018 took part in a panel where they discussed their project experiences, milestones and goals.
  • Giving Back and Moving Forward: On day five we focused on the importance of conservation and sustainability. Participants spent the morning with an environmental clean-up and spent the afternoon completing their project plans and grant applications.

Throughout the week, participants had the pleasure of speaking with numerous highly skilled professionals, whose mission is to see them succeed in life – in whatever way they choose to define success.

Passion to Purpose will help youth transform their passion into a purpose where they will be able to access grants of $250, $750, or $1,500 to create an action plan they can implement in their community. To date, the Canadian office has 27 applications for the varying grants from participants.

Conferences like P2P demonstrate to young people that they are they are never too young to make an impact in their community. If you have any further questions about Passion to Purpose, please reach out to the Canadian team at [email protected]

Passion to Purpose is an essential experience for motivated young individuals and integral to the future trajectory of Canada."
Kathryn Saigle,
P2P Participant.