Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 02/98) - A group of young Yellowknife volunteer workers had the unique experience of travelling to Edmonton, Alta. to take part in the 15th biennial World Volunteer Conference of the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE).

The Yellowknife teens were among the some 2,700 delegates from 92 countries to take part in the event hosted by the Wild Rose Foundation for Alberta.

Heritage Canada provided the funding for youth and multiculturalism scholarships which paid for the teens' transportation, meals and stay in residence.

Melissa Hazenberg, Youth Volunteer Corps of Yellowknife program co-ordinator, said the event brought together volunteers from around the world to share ideas and cultures.

"The conference featured a number of special guest speakers, including Prime Minister Jean Chretien," said Hazenberg.

"Everyone who went really enjoyed meeting and interacting with other volunteers from across the country and other nations. The conference was something very special."

The event ran from Aug. 23-27 and featured a number of workshops and keynote sessions, including Madame Huguette Labelle, president of the Canadian International Development Agency and University of Ottawa chancellor.

The event ended with a closing ceremonies extravaganza which featured Cape Breton fiddling sensation Natalie MacMaster.

Roslyn Smith helped co-ordinate the Yellowknife Group's efforts and she says IAVE is a worldwide organization which promotes the work of volunteers and the value of volunteering.

"It was a quite a coup for Canada to get to host this event," said Smith.

"The next one will be held in Amsterdam in the year 2001, the International Year of the Volunteer."

Vinoth Sabanadesan was one of the Yellowknife teens to take part in the event and said the conference was an exceptional experience.

He said the conference presented the Yellowknife teens with a wonderful opportunity to connect with other youth volunteers from across the country, coast to coast, and from a host of other nations.

"I learned a lot there but, as well as the learning, there was also the motivational aspect.

"A lot of speakers pumped you up and gave you a new view as to what's happening in another country, like Africa for example.

"I'd welcome the opportunity to do it again."