By Lea Mannari, Youth Programs Officer
A new cohort, some familiar faces and a growing community
The 2026 Youth Assembly of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC) brought together 32 participants from across Canada for a weekend defined by commitment, knowledge-sharing and the creation of lasting connections. Although winter weather unfortunately prevented some from joining us, their absence in no way diminished the collective momentum that carried the gathering forward.
This year’s edition provided an opportunity to welcome our new cohort of youth ambassadors, who benefited from the presence of our four outgoing ambassadors as they passed the torch. We are delighted to introduce (from left to right) Ivanna Khoruzhenko (Edmonton), Mary Asuqo (Vancouver), Ana Sofia Lopez Lara (Ottawa), Ishara Munazi (Halifax), Narcia Rakotomalala (Montreal), Djenabou Diallo (Gatineau), Cristina De Fabritis (Toronto) and Charles Ononuju (Corner Brook).
The dedication of Samuel John Medernach, Nicole Espinal Roa, Kingsley Alozie, and Abel Marius Oulaï over the past year has greatly strengthened the presence of young people within the DPCC movement.
We also welcomed our youth representatives. These true local leaders play a vital role in bridging their communities and the national level by organizing activities, mobilizing people around them and bringing ground realities forward. Their presence affirms the vitality of a youth network that continues to evolve.
A weekend rooted in action, creativity and reflection
The assembly opened on the evening of Friday, January 16, with a new activity inspired by the solidarity trip to Peru. By highlighting the realities faced by our partners, this interactive introduction invited participants to step immediately into a shared reflection on international solidarity. Gabrielle Dupuis, president, and Luke Stocking, director of public engagement, were present to welcome this engaged group of young people and to underscore the importance of such spaces for dialogue.
A major new feature this year was a three-station workshop. Guided by youth programs officer Emily Lukasik, social media officer Sarah Kabrit and Marie-Ginette Bouchard, an art facilitator, participants explored three tangible dimensions of engagement: designing a DPCC booth to connect with their communities; imagining impactful social media content; and contributing to a collective mural by creating zines.
The workshop entitled Mapping the Zines of Hope: From Values to Action proved especially memorable. Through a collaborative artistic process, participants reflected on their understanding of the organization’s values and how to embody them in practice. The mural they created, a collective work infused with meaning and commitment, will remain in DPCC’s office as a tangible memory of the moment.
The weekend also offered participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of DPCC. Brenda Arakaza and Reanne Laurie, youth representatives on the national council, shared their perspectives and encouraged youth representatives to consider serving on committees, reminding them that governance is also a space where young voices must be heard.
As every year, the contribution of an international programs officer enriched the gathering. Dominique Godbout presented the work being carried out in Bangladesh, offering a concrete glimpse into the impact of solidarity.
Among the inspiring guests were Precious Agbona, Nicole Castro and Marianna Manrique, St. Catharines Leadership Program participants who were chaperoned by William Manrique (who joined the Ontario regional council just days earlier), as well as Carly Rae Mouland from Corner Brook. Their curiosity, thoughtful questions and ideas highlighted the importance of strengthening links between our youth programs to support an engagement that endures over time.
Beyond the workshops, it was also the informal moments that shaped the experience: Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, spontaneous conversations between activities, and Saturday evening dinner at Fenetre sur Kaboul, where Afghan flavours helped create a warm and unifying atmosphere.
Meeting to better build the future
More than a simple gathering, the Youth Assembly remains an essential space to reconnect, exchange ideas and dream together about the future of our movement. At a time when engagement can sometimes feel fragmented, these in-person encounters help weave strong relationships, nurture a sense of belonging and remind us that every local action forms part of a broader collective vision.
The arrival of new ambassadors, the growing involvement of youth representatives and the enthusiasm of emerging leaders all point to a generation ready to make its voice heard within the organization.