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Celebrating Resilience and Kindness: Ali’s Story

Every year the province of BC recognizes Child and Youth in Care Week to raise awareness of the strength, diversity, talents, contributions, and dreams of youth in and from care in the province. Aunt Leah’s celebrates the strength, determination, resilience and virtues of the young people we serve. Our staff and peers come forward with nominations and our leadership team votes for winners in 5 categories. Then we gather at a special event to honour the winners.

One of the 5 awards is the The Rona Award.

This award is presented in honour of Rona Castagnier, a long-time co-worker, and friend of Aunt Leah’s. Rona was a very strong, kind, compassionate, and proud person. Rona would not hesitate to give someone her last dollar if they were in need, even if it meant that she would go without. In honor of Rona, Aunt Leah’s gives an annual award and bursary to a student from one of Aunt Leah’s Training Programs who has shown the characteristics that Rona appreciated the most.

Meet Ali, this year’s Rona Award Recipient.

As a refugee from Afghanistan, Ali has faced the challenges that come with adapting alone to a new country and culture while being in – and aging out of – government care.
Upon transitioning out of care, Ali sought support from Aunt Leah’s and found a welcoming home in Lale House.

Lale House is more than a communal housing place to live and take shelter. It is designed to be a springboard and safe haven where young adults like Ali, receive individualized support to obtain the skills or training they need to become fully independent. This often involves helping to navigate the complex systems of post-secondary education and life skills training. As an extension to Lale House, participants can move into private supported suites when ready to live independently.

Having a stable home at Lale House allowed Ali to focus on his studies without the additional worry of food insecurity. Despite the obstacles faced, Ali has remained dedicated to his education and personal goals, laying a solid foundation for his future in Canada, as well as maintaining a positive and contagious uplifting attitude.

Ali recently completed his first year at Columbia College showing high academic performance in his Engineering program and has now accepted an offer from UBC for his second year. Ali was also selected to start a summer internship through the BC Federation of Youth in Care Networks, which is both an accomplishment to be proud of and shows his resilience through adversity. Beyond academics, Ali has shown kindness and respect in all interactions with Aunt Leah’s staff, other participants and his housemates.

Ali’s positive attitude, easygoing nature, and gratitude for support highlight his strength of character. It is clear that Ali embodies the spirit of the Rona Award and staff at Lale House were pleased to present him with this award.

Learn more about our Education program

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