A history teacher at Cedarbrae Collegiate invited a group of settlement workers to talk about the challenges and issues facing newcomer youth. I was asked to speak on the effects of international migration on daily life, and the audience was keen to hear about how everything that happens in the world affects us, directly or indirectly. The speaker who followed me was a former student at the same school as well as a former gang member who has become an advocate for change. He spoke out against school gang activities and outlined what draws students to these groups. I was impressed by this young energetic individual who was talking about his personal experiences and how he changed with help from a friend - a settlement worker.

This settlement worker went beyond his official duties and expectations to ensure that the counseling he provided led to positive change. His work had a tremendous effect on the lives of many students. Most touched were those former gang members who had joined youth gangs due to the social isolation and communication barriers they faced.

Fortunately, there are many youth settlement workers who help newcomer youth in schools and in community organizations with their integration efforts. The OCASI Youth Network hopes to work with these Youth Settlement Workers, and youth themselves, to identify the challenges faced by youth and work towards identifying the best methods to tackle these challenges, with a view to finding appropriate solutions.