Afghan Youth Association
for a strong supportive & engaged Afghan community in Montreal
Ayaam is an organization that strives to connect and empower the youth in Montreal. Through meaningful dialogue, we aim to foster personal and professional growth while also building a strong network within the city. Our main focus is on the Afghan-Canadian youth community in Montreal, working towards their professional and cultural development. Additionally, we actively contribute our time and resources to support various youth-led initiatives and events. Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where young individuals can thrive and make a positive impact. Whether it is through engaging discussions, networking opportunities, or assisting in community-driven projects, ayaam is committed to empowering the youth and helping them reach their full potential.
Current and Upcoming Events
Orientalys Festival - August every year
We are inviting volunteers to join us at the Orientalys Festival this year, where we will be hosting a lively tent dedicated to Afghanistan. This exciting event will take place over four days in the historic Old Port of Montreal. To ensure the success of this festival, we are in need of a dedicated and enthusiastic team of volunteers. Your participation will not only contribute to a memorable experience for festival attendees but also provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in Afghan culture. Join us as we create a vibrant atmosphere, filled with traditional music, dance, and delicious Afghan cuisine. Together, let's make this year's Orientalys Festival an unforgettable celebration of Afghanistan's rich heritage.
To learn more about the festival click here
Every year on July 1st, we eagerly take part in the Canada Day parade, celebrating the vibrant multiculturalism of Canada. This year, we cordially invite you to join us in this joyous occasion and proudly raise the flag of Afghanistan. The parade, filled with colorful floats, marching bands, and enthusiastic spectators, winds through the streets of our city, creating an atmosphere of unity and pride. As we wave our flags high, we showcase the diversity that makes Canada so unique. The festive atmosphere is contagious, with people adorned in red and white, cheering and clapping along the route. The Canada Day parade is an opportunity to come together as a community, embrace our differences, and celebrate the shared values that bind us. So, mark your calendars and join us for a memorable day of music, laughter, and cultural exchange.
CANADA DAY PARADE - July 1st
About AYAAM
Dedicated to Afghan Canadian Youth in Montreal. Building a Strong Network and Assisting with Youth-led Initiatives.
We are currently open to accepting new board directors. Please contact us if you are interested.
Ayaam, established in 2010, is an organization that heavily relies on private sponsorships for its activities. We have never received any funding from a public body or the government. The administrative fees are solely covered by the president of our association. Our mission is centered around supporting youth engagement, creating a safe space, and promoting community advancement. This is achieved through various initiatives and programs that foster a sense of belonging and empower young individuals to actively participate in their communities. Private sponsorships play a crucial role in enabling us to continue our work and make a positive impact on the lives of the youth we support.
If you would like to be a sponsor and help Ayaam continue its activities please contact us.
Professional Development
Our Projects
Supporting Afghan Canadian Youth in their Professional Growth
We are currently organizing a professional networking event for September. Keep posted.
Cultural Development
Promoting Afghan Culture and Heritage in Montreal
Ayaam organizes and celebrates various cultural events to promote Afghan culture within the community. They actively participate in festivals such as Festival Asie, Canada Day Parade, and Festival Orientalys every year. Moreover, ayaam also hosts holiday events like Nowruz and Eid, where they showcase and share the rich traditions and customs of Afghanistan. These events provide a platform for the community to come together, learn about Afghan culture, and appreciate its diversity. Through their active involvement in these festivals and celebrations, ayaam plays a vital role in fostering cultural exchange and building connections between different communities.
Youth-led Initiatives
Contributing to Youth-led Initiatives and Events in Montreal
We are dedicated to assisting young individuals in achieving their goals. We thoroughly review CVs and provide mentorship to ensure their success. Our organization is always open and welcoming to young people, encouraging their involvement and supporting innovative and youth-led projects. We strive to create an environment where young minds can thrive and contribute to the community. By offering guidance and opportunities, we aim to empower youth and foster their growth.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY SLACK: ayaam.slack.com
Community Engagement
Engaging with the Montreal Community to Foster Understanding and Collaboration
We organize workshops to address various needs within the community, such as discussing women's place, cultural shock, entrepreneurship, taboo subjects, and intergenerational traumas. These workshops serve as a platform for open dialogue and understanding, where community members can come together to share their perspectives and experiences. Additionally, we recognize the importance of addressing taboo issues and intergenerational traumas, as these topics often carry stigmas and are not openly discussed. Through these workshops, we hope to foster a sense of community, support, and growth, creating a space for individuals to connect, learn, and overcome societal barriers.
Art and Culture
At our organization, we love to bring people together through the power of music, creativity, and art. We believe in the importance of fostering a vibrant and diverse cultural scene. That's why we host music nights where local artists can showcase their talents. Additionally, we offer workshops on the traditional Afghan dance form called attan, where participants can learn the mesmerizing moves and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Afghanistan. In order to encourage the literary arts, we also organize writing competitions calligraphy, providing aspiring writers with a platform to showcase their skills and creativity. Alongside these initiatives, we continuously seek new artistic endeavors to inspire, entertain, and unite our community. Join us in celebrating the endless possibilities that art brings to our lives.
Past Events
In the past, we have organized various events such as workshops, social events (camping, hiking, bowling, axe throwing, volleyball, paintball, ski, snowboarding, beach, picnic, bungee jumping, chalets, etc.), Eid parties, Nowruz parties, film screenings, professional networking events. etc. If you are interested in planning an event, please feel free to contact us.
If you want to keep up to date of all our events please join our Facebook Social Events group chat by clicking here.
