International Youth Day is an awareness day established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the challenges facing youth and safeguard their rights and freedoms. It is commemorated every August 12.

This year's theme is "Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages."

At Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC), we have witnessed the exceptional contributions of youth in Calgary and the surrounding communities. Our Immigrants of Distinction Awards (IDA) program annually honours the achievements of young people through a dedicated category, the Youth Achievement Award.

Since 1998, the Youth Achievement Award has recognized immigrant or refugee youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who have made remarkable contributions in one or more of the following areas: arts and culture, sports, community and volunteer activities, academics, and leadership.

Meet some of the recipients of the Youth Achievement Award from the previous IDA events.

Youth Achievement Award 2023: Yvette Ysabel Yao

Yvette immigrated to Canada in 2022 and developed her passion for medicine when her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

She became a caregiver and realized the positive, lifechanging impact of medicine. This became her driving force for becoming a doctor.

 Learn more about Yvette’s journey.

Youth Achievement Award 2022: Ishnoor Dhllion

Ishnoor is from Jalandhar, Punjab. She arrived in Canada in 2010.

Her commitment to making a positive impact in her community through volunteering, joining her local sports teams and participating in art projects earned her a nomination in this category. 

Watch Ishnoor’s story here.

Youth Achievement Award 2022: Haaziq Altaf

Haaziq immigrated to Canada from Pakistan in 2002, when he was about one year old.

From a young age, Haaziq became interested in helping persons with developmental disabilities when he realized not all of them were catered to. So far, he has volunteered at Renfrew Educational Services and Inclusion Alberta.

His goal has been to empower individuals with developmental disabilities, providing them with the necessary support and empowerment as needed. Watch Haaziq’s story here.

At the 2024 Immigrants of Distinction Awards, we will celebrate more youths who have been making positive contributions to Calgary.

The finalists in this category will be announced soon. Stay tuned.