Mssko Wakil, a Legal Advocate at MOSAIC, is the 2021 recipient of the BC Government’s Youth Leadership Award for her work serving newcomer youth clients.
The award, presented by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is given to those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to working with youth in their communities as part of the ministry’s annual Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award Ceremony.
Wakil was recognized for her dedication to empowering youth who are new to Canada on their settlement and integration journey. Through MOSAIC’s leadership training for youth, she has helped youth to feel less isolated, build a strong sense of belonging and confidence, and even become peer supporters and advocates for other newcomer youth.
“I am humbled and honoured to be recognized by the MOSAIC Refugee Youth Leaders and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General with this award – it truly means a lot,” said Wakil.
As a former refugee from Afghanistan, Wakil is also an active advocate for refugee youth and has participated in local and national level consultations to speak about the challenges and opportunities for refugee youth in Canada. She currently coordinates the MOSAIC-led Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) Youth Branch in BC, where youth leaders are able to share their experiences and provide peer support to other newcomer youth in BC and across Canada.
“We are so proud of Mssko for receiving this award and it is well deserved. We greatly value her contributions to MOSAIC’s work with newcomer youth,” said Sherman Chan, Director of Family and Settlement Services at MOSAIC.
Prior to starting her current role with MOSAIC’s Legal Advocacy Program, Wakil worked as a Youth Outreach Case Manager with the Moving Ahead Program. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Kyrgyz State Academy of Law in Kyrgyzstan. Wakil currently attends UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law and is working towards becoming a practicing lawyer in Canada.
