On June 12, it was a proud moment when the Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ hosted its Awards Gala at Collège Jean-Eudes in Montreal.
During this event, the exceptional academic journey and determination shown by 313 youths in the care of the DYP throughout the academic year were finally rewarded. In addition to highlighting all the work and effort these young people put into their studies, the Awards Gala, organized in partnership with the CCSMTL Youth Program Branch, showed them that a whole community believed in their potential and was at their side to support them on the road to success.
As part of its School Perseverance program, the Fondation awarded more than 400 scholarships, including those for young graduates at all levels, from elementary school to university, and incentive scholarships to recognize ongoing academic perseverance and commitment.
We wanted to highlight the success and graduation of young people who have worked hard to earn their diploma or degree, along with all the small victories of staying in school. Every challenge met is worth celebrating. That’s why it is crucial for the Fondation to reward both the diplomas or degrees earned and the efforts made by these students throughout their studies.
The awards the youths in care received on June 12 serve as a milestone on the road leading to a brighter future and to fulfilling their dreams. Again, this year, in addition to the two scholarship categories mentioned, 16 special prizes were awarded in recognition of the exceptional determination of some students, all levels combined, who showed outstanding resilience in the face of the obstacles they met along the way.
You never know where perseverance will lead you. It can lead to new ideas, to meeting interesting people, or paving the way to other projects. It’s important to constantly make an effort throughout our lives. And for us, at the youth protection, education is a key lever. This is a night for young people and everyone at the Gala is here to tell them what a great job they did. Keep going, we’ll always be here to support you.
A large number of young people gathered at the auditorium to hear the touching and motivating testimonial from two former youths in care who generously shared their life story with great composure. A fine example of two young women who were able to overcome their challenges, earn a degree and look to the future with confidence, despite their difficult backgrounds. One of them, Janis, had already shared her life story and her success thanks to assistance from the Fondation. Their presence gave a breath of hope to the young scholarship winners that evening.
Our sincere thanks to all those who helped make this Gala possible. Thank you to Anaïs Favron, the Fondation des jeunes de la DPJ spokesperson, for her exceptional hosting duties, and thank you to Collège Jean-Eudes for kindly letting us use their wonderful auditorium.
We would also like to thank the organizing team, comprising CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal staff members: Josée Duranleau, Johanne Baril, Jean Paiement, Josée Langlais, François-Xavier de Tilly-Dion and Catherine Archambault-Lafond. Lastly, we want to thank the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada for its financial support to the Scotiabank Stay in School Award program, which in turn funded many of the scholarships awarded at the Gala.
