Volunteering is a powerful way to create connections, inspire change, and build community. Nearly 24 million Canadians volunteer annually, contributing an estimated 5 billion hours of their time to make the country a better place. We are proud to shine a spotlight on our Green Ambassador Volunteer Initiative, paving the way for a more sustainable and connected future.
By leading outdoor adventures and advocating for environmental stewardship, our Green Ambassadors show how small, collective actions can create meaningful change. Their work not only nurtures the environment but also empowers individuals, fosters collaboration, and builds a greener, more inclusive community.
This year, as we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we are honoured to highlight four remarkable youth volunteers whose leadership and dedication have brought people and nature together in transformative ways.
The Heart of the Green Ambassador Initiative
MOSAIC’s Green Ambassador Volunteer Initiative, funded by the BC Parks Foundation, was created to empower newcomer youth to become leaders in outdoor education and environmental stewardship. Volunteers were selected through a rigorous and intentional process, prioritizing active engagement in prior outdoor activities, passion for environmental stewardship, and multilingual capacity to support inclusive participation.
Once selected, Green Ambassadors underwent extensive training: First Aid and CPR certification, fire safety and outdoor protocols, wildlife etiquette, Leave No Trace principles, and MOSAIC’s own safety and administrative procedures. Equipped with gear and mentorship, they were prepared to lead trips, manage logistics, assist participants in multiple languages, and create safe, welcoming spaces for newcomer families to connect with BC’s wild beauty.
Our Green Ambassadors not only supported MOSAIC’s staff-led excursions but also organized their own volunteer-led outings, borrowing equipment from the newly created Outdoor Lending Library, helping reduce financial barriers for families eager to explore their new environment.
Meet Our Green Ambassadors
Abdelrahman Mustafa: Giving Back to the Community
Abdelrahman first connected with MOSAIC as a client seeking settlement support. “My case manager was really supportive and helpful during my settlement process, and one day they told me about the opportunity to volunteer. It felt like the right time to give back to the community that had already given me so much support,” he shares.
Through the program, Abdelrahman became a familiar and welcoming face on outdoor trips, where he helped families, many experiencing BC’s parks for the first time, feel at home. “My goal was to support others and help people feel more at home here, and yes, I do feel like I’ve achieved that. Every time I see someone smile or hear them say they had a great time, it means a lot to me. At the same time, I feel like I gained so much myself,” he says. Every trip he led was not just a journey through nature, but a step toward building trust, belonging, and joy for newcomer families.
Bethel Estifanos: Growing Confidence and Building Community
Bethel learned about MOSAIC through school and word of mouth, quickly drawn to its youth leadership programs. “As someone who went through the process of adjusting to a new environment, I knew how valuable it was to have welcoming faces helping you settle in,” she says.
The Green Ambassador initiative gave her the opportunity to step up as a leader. “Volunteering helped me grow in so many ways — from building leadership and communication skills to simply becoming more comfortable expressing myself.” Today, Bethel continues to inspire other youth to step outside their comfort zones and into the community.
Nazo Katawazai: Creating a Home Away from Home
For Nazo, the Green Ambassador experience was about more than logistics — it was about creating a true sense of belonging. “At MOSAIC, whether staff, volunteers, or clients, we come from different backgrounds, yet we all hold deep respect and value for one another. That’s what makes us one,” she reflects.
Nazo is especially proud of the strong bonds built within the Green Ambassador team. “Despite our differences, we formed the most beautiful, united team,” she says. Her experience shows how leadership is not just about guiding others, but about growing together and celebrating diversity as a shared strength.
Noman Azhari: Finding Purpose Through Leadership
Noman’s introduction to MOSAIC came through the Moving Ahead Program. Motivated by the support he received, he knew he wanted to give back. “I wanted to support other newcomers the same way I was supported,” he shares.
One of his proudest memories is leading a group of youth on a nature walk. “Seeing their excitement and curiosity made me proud to be part of the team.” Through each trip he led, Noman showed that leadership is about guiding others to discover confidence, wonder, and belonging in their new home.
We celebrate not just our Green Ambassadors, but every volunteer who brings leadership, kindness, and heart to MOSAIC and communities across Canada. Your efforts remind us that true change begins with small, caring actions.
Thank you for inspiring hope, growth, and connection every day.
Become a Green Ambassador
Are you passionate about the outdoors and love building community? Do you have a heart for service?
MOSAIC Youth Programs is recruiting Green Ambassador Volunteers to help newcomer children, youth, and families explore BC Parks and enjoy time in nature together.
You’re a great fit if you:
- Are a newcomer youth (age 18–29)
- Enjoy being outdoors and active
- Love community building and have a heart for service
- Speak one or more of the following languages (or others): Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Spanish, or Tigrinya
- Have volunteer experience leading groups or working with children (an asset!)
Time Commitment:
- 15 hours of training in June 2025
- One Saturday per month (8 hours) from June 2025 – March 2026
This is a fantastic opportunity to build leadership skills, connect with nature, and support other newcomers in feeling at home in BC.
Interested? Email youth@mosaicbc.org to learn more and apply!
