PROGENY is a youth program designed to empower immigrant youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead safe, healthy, and quality productive lives. Through this program, youth aged 15 - 19, find support around integration and adjustment to Canadian life. PROGENY initiatives focus primarily but not exclusively on Filipino youth.
YOUTH DROP IN LOUNGE
Wednesdays 4:00 - 8:00 pm
MHHS opens its multi-purpose hall for immigrant youth as an after
school resource where youth have an 
opportunity
to participate on weekly activities. The first half of the drop
in is devoted to information sessions, workshops, and discussions
where youth raise questions and awareness on various youth issues.
Topics covered by external and in-house resource people include
youth rights, safety strategies (by VPD), safe sex education, life
skills, and drug education, to name a few. The second half consists
of arts and recreational activities, among which are martial arts
classes, visual art, guitar lessons, singing, movies, and arts and
crafts. Off-site recreation and sports activities are also part
of youth drop in lounge. Community partners include Boys and Girls
Club - Kivan and Riley Park Community Centre.
YOUTH CLUB - MYX multicultural youth expression
Organized and participated by high school students from various
secondary schools, MYX is a youth driven project where youth determine
what activities they wish to embark. Students from Tupper, Gladstone,
Templeton, Vantech, and John Oliver comprise member schools to the
youth club. Currently numbering 26 full time members, MYX organize
around social/recreational activities and community development.
Visit MYX online at www.myxonline.org.
MYX Officers
President & Chair, Events/ Fundraising: Eugene Huang - John Oliver Secondary
Vice-Pres. & Public Relations: Charmaine Corrales - Sir Charles Tupper Secondary
Secretary and Membership: Sheryll Cu - Sir Charles Tupper Secondary
Treasurer & Finance: Macy Olivas - Sir Charles Tupper Secondary
School Representatives
Sir Charles Tupper Secondary: Lymuel Palero
Templeton Secondary: Robert Trigo
David Thompson Secondary: Sherylanne Solatre
Vantech Secondary: April Tan
John Oliver Secondary: Currently Recruiting
WORKSHOP! WORKSHOP! WORKSHOP!
Strengthening Identity Through Creativity: An Integrated Arts and Social Awareness Workshop for New Immigrant Youth November 22, 2004 - March 21, 2005 Through the generous support of United Way of the Lower Mainland, and in collaboration with Kathara Cultural Theatre Canada and Working Arts Society, PROGENY addresses burning youth issues through creative expressions. "Strengthening" is a 12-week series workshop featuring modern art (hip hop, break dance, rap) and ethnic dance, drumming, music, martial arts, visual and theatre.
Youth issues around racism and violence are key components that are explored and analyzed by participants. Currently ongoing, the workshop culminates through a stage performance marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2005.
A diverse group of immigrant youth numbering 22, coming from Iran, Ethiopia, Philippines, Russia, Poland, Peru, Colombia, and El Salvador form the core group of participants. Youth draw their strength from their own culture in exploring these issues, expressed through art. An audio-visual documentation of the workshops will also be produced and used as a tool to further disseminate their message to the community.
Initiatives currently being explored are the following:
- Tutoring
MHHS has established a partnership with UBC's Filipino Student Association (UBC-FSA). UBC-FSA will conduct tutoring classes for secondary students experiencing difficulties in math, science, and English. The classes will be held at the MHHS Multipurpose Hall starting next year.
- Buddy Pairing Program
Ate-Kuya mentoring program
A unique program matching new immigrant Filipino youth with second generation Filipino-Canadians takes form at the MHHS. "Ate - Kuya" (titles attached to big sister and big brother respectively) buddy pairing program hopes to help ease the transition that new immigrant Filipino youth experience. It also offers the opportunity to second generation Filipinos to re-connect to their cultural identity through the newcomers.
For more information, contact JR Guerrero, MHHS Youth Program Coordinator
O - 604.879.3277
C - 604.779.4209
or send e-mail to
