August 11, 2009
OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, would like to invite dynamic youth to apply to the Order of Canada Mentorship Program, now in its second year.
The Governor General explained the raison d’être for such a mentoring program when it was created in 2008: “I see youth [. . .] as a living strength that embodies the very values of altruism and compassion that we cherish. It is for this reason that the idea of connecting young Canadian leaders with members of the Order came so easily.”
The Order of Canada Mentorship Program pairs 25 members of the Order of Canada with 25 young Canadians aged 18 to 25 for one year. The goal is to promote discussions between people who share the same interests and passions, and who want to help develop their communities. The mentor-participant pairs will first meet in person in the fall of 2009 in the presence of the Governor General. After that, mentoring and discussions will take place online and by email.
The program allows for productive discussions to take place and friendships to form. Bilaal Rajan, a young participant in the first year, had the following to say about the program: “Not only did the program give me the chance to take part in some unforgettable activities, but my mentor, Craig Kielburger, founder of Free the Children, has been an incredible inspiration to me.” Mr. Kielburger, a member of the Order of Canada who agreed to be a mentor, also spoke highly of their partnership: “It’s been both an honour and a pleasure to mentor Bilaal Rajan. Certainly, I’ve learned a lot from him along the way, too.”
Young people interested in applying to the program can visit our website at www.mentor2009.gg.ca. Application deadline is September 17, 2009.
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About the Order of Canada
Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is the masterpiece of Canada’s honours system and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.
For more information about the Order of Canada and its members, please visit http://www.gg.ca/honours/nat-ord/oc/index_e.asp.
About the Order of Canada Mentorship Program
The Order of Canada Mentorship program was created in 2008. It pairs 25 young Canadians with 25 members of the Order of Canada. The mentors and the young people they counsel will be invited to post blogs and take part in discussions forums on the www.citizenvoices.gg.ca website.
Eligible candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 25 as of July 31, 2009 and have until September 17, 2009 to apply. Participants will be selected by an independent committee based on their involvement in their community or area of interest, and the quality of their answers to the essay questions on the application form.
For more information about the Order of Canada Mentorship Program, please visit www.mentor2009.gg.ca.
Media information
Annabelle Cloutier
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 993-2569
www.gg.ca
www.mentor2009.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
