Project Penpal - Support Youth in Nunavut

Hello, My name is Reynah Rollocks and I am a grade 12 student hoping to raise money for Arviligruaq Ilinniarvik School.
This school is located in Kugaaruk, Nunavut where students there don't have access to hygiene products or even clothing.

 

My journey began during the summer of 2021 with RISE Academy. Each student is required to create a passion project. Today’s youths face many challenges even right here in Canada. I wanted to reach out to other Canadian youth and see what needed to be done. I started to get in contact with several individuals who are already working with Indigenous youth. I sent out emails and did my own research about the challenges Indigenous youth face. Although I was really eager to get started I didn't get the response I was hoping for. After getting in touch with several individuals I finally got a positive response from Ms.Connell. Ms.Connell is a teacher at Arviligruaq Ilinniarvik School.

 

I was really surprised to learn that some of the basic everyday items we use in the southern parts of Canada are out of reach for the people in the north. Adequate clothing in Canada is not a luxury, it is a necessity. To know that youth in the north don't have access to warm clothing is heartbreaking.

 

I wanted to connect with the Indigenous youth and a community in need. I wanted to find a simple way to bring youth together. My original idea was to create postcards. I thought that since many things were already done virtually having something tangible like a postcard would be nice to find in your mailbox. I also wasn't too sure about the access to technology up North.

 

Through my communications with Ms.Connell I decided to alter the postcards to become short emails and mostly photographs. Our stories and messages could be told through our images. Pictures also help us connect as young individuals and can help spark conversation or even interests.

 

Penpal North is a simple way for youth to meet and get to know other youth living in Canada.

 

Your contributions will help the Indigenous youth at Arviligruaq Ilinniarvik School to get access to the basics that they need in order to have a successful school experience. The donations will be directly to  Arviligruaq Ilinniarvik School to purchase clothing, hygiene products and general school supplies.  

 

If you want to follow our journey you can visit my Instagram page @riseacademy71 or R.I.S.E. Academy’s Facebook.