The Youth Connection is a non-profit organization that raises money for government-run schools in Mexico. I got to interview both the founder, Arielle Grinberg, as well as the current president, Kyla Lee. We discussed their journey with The Youth Connection, future goals, and their next steps with the charity. On November 3rd, Her Campus Western Ontario is partnering up with The Youth Connection for a bar night at The Barking Frog. All proceeds go towards their non-profit organization. Come on out with us and donate to this great cause! Still curious about the charity? Read all about The Youth Connection below!
Name: Arielle Grinberg: Founder of The Youth Connection; Kyla Lee: President of The Youth Connection
Age: Arielle: 21; Kyla: 20
Program: Arielle: Double Major in Psychology and Medical Sciences; Kyla: Medical Science
Hometown: Arielle: Toronto, Ontario; Kyla: Richmond Hill, Ontario
What made you want to start a non-profit organization? Why did you choose to donate towards schooling in Mexico?
AG: I have been to Mexico with my family several times and during our visits we’ve seen the poverty there. We wanted to make a difference and help out. In Mexico, most children are abused and are forced to beg for money in touristic areas. Some of these children are placed in government owned schools in order to receive proper care as well as an education. Unfortunately, many of these schools are in bad condition. They cannot afford to have enough school supplies and qualified teachers. This is why I created The Youth Connection. Our main goal is connecting youth in Canada with youth in Mexico and the issues they face. We fundraise money to send school supplies to these government-owned schools as well as sending volunteers to teach English.
Tell us about your involvement with The Youth Connection. What was your journey like to becoming President?
KL: In first year, I remember having a class at North Campus and seeing The Youth Connection booth set up outside. I’ve always been into humanitarian work. I’ve volunteered all throughout high school; I’ve organized camps for low-income families and even went on a volunteer trip to China to teach English to underprivileged kids. I knew right away that I wanted to continue with volunteer work in university so I decided apply for a position with The Youth Connection. I ended up becoming first year representative! I wasn’t expecting to take up as much responsibility as I did and I ended up doing much more than I was expecting. Arielle was impressed by that so she asked me to be executive director when I was in second year. I helped her out a lot when she was still president and eventually I took over!
What has been The Youth Connection’s greatest accomplishment thus far?
AG: Our greatest accomplishment has certainly been our awareness. The Youth Connection has spread across Western pretty quickly. Many students now know about the struggles youth face in communities outside Canada.
Why do you think that people should choose to donate to The Youth Connection?
KL: Everyone has different morals and values, so this is my personal opinion on why I became involved with this charity. I believe that if you have something to give: give. If you’re thinking a kind thought: say it out loud. If you have time to spare for someone in need; spare that time. In Mexico. there are so many kids who don’t have proper homes or are able to go to school and get an education. The Youth Connection’s goal is to provide opportunities for underprivileged children because even the Mexican government doesn’t have complete access to funding. They only have so many resources that they can give out to schools. We want to help in any way we can.
How has creating The Youth Connection shaped you into who you are today?
AG: Creating The Youth Connection has made me realize my true passion for social justice. After witnessing the tragedies that children experience in Mexico, I’ve gotten a true understanding on certain lifestyles faced in third-world countries. The Youth Connection has made me realize that more students need to understand what goes on in the world and be willing to take the initiative to help others.
What has been your favourite part while being on The Youth Connection team?
KL: I absolutely love The Youth Connection and everything it stands for. Despite the stress we face every now and then; once we finish an event, it’s all worth it. I feel so proud of our team. It’s the feeling of accomplishment that makes it all worthwhile.
Have you faced any challenges during your process on creating this charity? How did you overcome them?
AG: The main challenge in creating The Youth Connection was that we didn’t expect how quickly it would grow. This charity first started with just my family and I, then it grew to a team of eight people, and now it has become a team with seventeen executives! Leading this big of a team has been time consuming, but has proven to be one of the most rewarding things I could possibly do in university. Having a team of such passionate, determined, outgoing and intelligent people I have learned something new every day. They all have amazing ideas and are willing to take initiative. It makes me incredibly happy to work with them. If anyone on my team is reading this: I love you guys and thank you for all your hard work!
Are there any goals your team hopes to accomplish this year?
KL: I’d like to focus on team bonding this year and make our group feel like a family. We have seventeen members but I believe that our team would be able to work much more efficiently if we all had close relationships with one another. I also really want to be able to send some teammates over to Mexico with Arielle this summer, but it’s very difficult to do because of travelling costs. Hopefully that will happen eventually!
Do you have any idols? If so who?
AG: It’s a bit cheesy, but honestly my parents are my idols. Both my mom and dad are incredibly caring and hardworking. They exposed me to different parts of the world and taught me about the struggles of underprivileged communities. My parents have made me into who I am today, and The Youth Connection wouldn’t even be created without them!
KL: Definitely my parents. They’re immigrants and came to Canada when they were thirty and without knowing anyone! I would never be able to leave Toronto, let alone the country. Everything about my parents, like their morals and values, just inspire me. A bulk of who I am today really comes from my mom and she really opened my eyes to the world and humanitarianism.
Has there been any book or quote that has influenced you the most?
AG: There’s a quote that Benjamin Franklin said: “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”
KL: I’ve read a lot of Jodi Picoult’s books and part of her writing style is that she writes each chapter in a different character’s perspective. Her books helped me realize that there are always multiple sides to a story. She helped me learn that the world doesn’t revolve around one person and that there’s always two sides to every story.
How do you relax in your spare time?
AG: I don’t have a lot of spare time but when I do: Netflix N’ Cats. I love coming home and snuggling up in a onesie with my kitties and eating countless amounts of sushi while watching mind-numbing shows.
KL: I’ve recently really gotten into self-care. I’ve been spending some money on makeup and doing my makeup even if I stay at home. I’ll give myself face masks and get my nails done. I’m also into music. When I’m home and have access to the piano, I’ll just jam away for a couple hours!