Self-Introduction

Hello! My name is Ayaka, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team as an intern at LOVE (Québec), a non profit organization in Quebec, Canada.

In Japan, I worked at an NPO that provides study abroad support to students and professionals and offers education and independence support to youth in foster care (or group home). Through my experiences with students and youth, I became interested in learning about how educational support is offered abroad. In 2020, I moved to Toronto, Canada, where I volunteered with local NPOs, worked with children, and assisted international students from around the world with school life and living in Toronto in the language school.

Now, thanks to a wonderful connection, I have the opportunity to join LOVE (Québec) as an intern in Montreal, Quebec. Through this blog, I aim to introduce LOVE’s activities and initiatives to Japanese audiences.

About LOVE (Québec)

LOVE’s Foundation

LOVE’s Vision

LOVE was established in 1993 by a woman named Sheila Twinkle Rudberg, who wanted to break the cycle of hardship for youths facing mental and physical challenges. I’ll share more about her story in a future post. For those interested, a bit about her is also available on LOVE’s official page (in English and French).

“LOVE = Leave Out Violence Everywhere”

LOVE’s Vision

“To be a leader in building innovative and sustainable programs that promote the mental, emotional, and social health of youths.”

LOVE’s Mission

“Engage Youth. Build Bridges. Realize Potential.”

In today’s society, expressing oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally can be complex and challenging, making it difficult for some young people to thrive. Some have even experienced discrimination, making self-expression even more daunting.

Through its programs and supportive relationships, LOVE works to cultivate emotional intelligence (EQ/EI) and resilience among youths, empowering them to overcome adversity.

Upcoming Activities as an Intern

Montreal, where LOVE’s headquarters is located, is a region where French is the official language. However, many people also speak English, resulting in both French-speaking and English- speaking elementary schools, high schools, and universities. I will primarily be working with programs at English-speaking elementary and high schools.

As a member of the LOVE team, I will participate in pre-meetings for the workshops we offer and visit various locations, such as high schools and group homes, alongside other team members to deliver workshops.

In addition to school programs, the LOVE office hosts weekly Thursday activities for youth, offering a new activity each week. I will also be participating as a staff member in these activities moving forward.

I am excited to learn more about the programs LOVE provides, how coordinators deliver workshops, and how we support youth. This opportunity is incredibly valuable, and I aim to absorb as much as I can during my time here. After completing my internship, I hope to bring the knowledge and experiences back to Japan and share them widely.

The work of Canadian non-profits and youth support initiatives is something I believe many people should know about, especially those interested in these fields. I will continue to share more about my experiences on this platform, so please stay tuned!