Families in the Harbour City are being sought to host young Indonesian and Canadian adults as part of a Canada World Youth international education program.
Nanaimo was selected as the host community for the Youth Leaders in Action program. Between Oct. 11 and Jan. 2, 18 people, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years will be paired up in accommodation in Nanaimo.
Simon Schachner, Canada World Youth project supervisor, said nine host families are needed and three have confirmed.
It will be an educational experience and not just for the participants, he said.
“We have a counterpart component to the program ... it doesn’t mean you need two rooms, a lot of people wouldn’t have that extra space, but one room with two beds and of course an interest in learning. We look at this program as a learning opportunity for all involved,” Schachner said.
He said the organization wants participants to adapt to the households they’re in and become temporary family members, while they learn about the local lifestyle and culture through integration.
Families who host will be offered a weekly allowance of $180 to help cover added costs that will arise from taking in the pairs.
The Canadians and Indonesians will take part in non-profit sector related work, which will include volunteer work placement, community projects and educational activities. After Nanaimo, participants will enter the second phase of the program, which will take place in Pulau Kelapa, Indonesia.
For interested families, please contact Schachner at 778-269-1598 or at sschachner@cwy-jcm.org.