On October 9th, 2014, MOSAIC supported the South Asian Community Coalition Against Youth Violence (SACCAYV), which hosted a community forum on ‘Youth Violence and Family Relationships.’ The event in Surrey was attended by over 50 individuals representing law enforcement, youth workers, counsellors and community activists who were motivated to find solutions to end youth violence.The audience heard from various speakers including Dan Malo, Assistant Commissioner in Charge of the RCMP, who spoke highly of the great efforts of the SACCAYV. MOSAIC’s Redirecting Youth Through Empowerment (RYTE) program was also highlighted as the program coordinator Rubina Mudhar, shared information on the various youth programs MOSAIC implements.Ninu Kang, Director of Communications and Development facilitated a dialogue activity where participants shared knowledge and highlighted the challenges faced by youth in the community. Solutions to promote healthy relationships were also solicited.The event also previewed the Punjabi language version of Understanding Youth and Gangs resource booklet which has been developed by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of the RCMP, Kwantlen’s Acting Together project and the SACCAYV. The printing for this has been funded by many local Sikh Temples and businesses who were awarded with Certificates of Appreciation at the event.To read a review of the event from the Indo Canadian Voice, click here (PDF).
Attendees: Dan Malo, Assistant Commissioner in Charge of the RCMP; Balwant Sanghera, SACCAYV Chair; RCMP Sergeant Lindsay Houghton, Media Relations Office for Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit B
