Sheila Fubara (left) and René-Osmani Diakité, co-chairs of Ubuntu Youth Council. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

youth taking on worldwide issues

International Youth Day event to ask how young people can transform global food systems

Aug 7, 2021 | 11:02 AM

International Youth Day, which takes place globally Aug. 12, will be celebrated with events hosted by Red Deer-based Ubuntu Youth Council (UYC).

The 2021 theme for the United Nations-led day is ‘Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.’

That’s why UYC has initiated a food drive, brought in several speakers, and for a little bit of extra fun, is hosting a pick-up 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Aug. 14.

The event takes place from 4:30-7:30 at Festival Hall (4214 58 Street), and will also feature local artist TK, the Red Deer Native Friendship Society, and the Red Deer Aboriginal Dance Troupe.

“This is our first in-person event since COVID hit, and we wanted it to be an exciting, yet informative one where we can educate, learn and have some fun,” explains co-chairs Sheila Fubara and René-Osmani Diakité.

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“Our choice to have Jaycee Bourke and Mike Kozlowski speak was intentional — Jaycee has worked with families who had limited access to food and she helped create a program with Youth HQ where she collected food and gave it to families. She understands the importance of having equitable food systems for all. With Mike, who owns Steel Pony Farms, he understands the importance of having sustainable food that won’t only keep us healthy, but will be able to feed humans for years to come. He will speak about how we can choose more sustainable options.”

As for the food drive, non-perishable items can be dropped off at the Kaylor Building in downtown Red Deer (#27, 4917-48 Street) until Aug. 14, or they can be brought to Festival Hall on Aug. 14.

Meanwhile, anyone is eligible for the free basketball tournament, with registration closing on Aug. 9. Teams should have four members, including one substitute. There are cash prizes.

More information about International Youth Day is at un.org. Learn more about Ubuntu Youth Council on Facebook.