From Newcomer to Mentor: Elham Yadgari
21-05-2025
When 19-year-old Elham Yadgari arrived in Canada from Afghanistan in June 2023, he was stepping into a world of uncertainty.
Like many young newcomers, he faced the daunting task of adjusting to a new culture, navigating an unfamiliar education system, and finding his place in a new community. But Elham was eager to pursue leadership opportunities and to find his place.
His journey with YMCA Settlement Services began in October 2023 through Westdale’s Newcomer Youth Centre. After being in Canada for just four months, Elham was referred to the YMCA’s Youth of Tomorrow (YOT) program. a career exploration and mentorship program for young people between the ages of 15 and 29.
Through YOT, Elham attended career exploration panels and volunteered his time as a student leader. His positive attitude and passion for leading stood out and he soon found himself as a mentor for the YMCA Cooking for a Cause Mentorship Program. He discovered the program through his settlement worker, Mahsa Tavassoly.
Cooking for a Cause is a youth program sponsored by Bell Canada and led by the YMCA. In the first week of the program students meet and get to know one another, they practice social skills and gain confidence in themselves. They then learn kitchen and food safety. The second week of the program sees the students at The Mark Preece Family House. With the help of Marisa from Marisa's Easy Kitchen, students cook a three course meal for residents who spend long days supporting loved ones in hospital.
For Elham, the program became more than just volunteer work — it became his community.
“If they were short for people, they would call me to fill in. I used to empty my day and put everything away to come here.”
Elham’s continued participation and now mentorship in Cooking for a Cause has served as an example of leadership for other newcomer youth.
“The program works like therapy, you have all these things going on in school like tests and quizzes, and then you come here, you hang out with your friends and cook something. The kitchen has an effect on you. You prepare a meal and sit with people who are going through a rough time. It’s good for both sides and their mental health.”
Elham's journey didn't stop at mentorship. He also took part in the Youth of Tomorrow work experience program. With the support and resources provided by the program, he developed a strong resume and was referred to various job opportunities and attended the YOT job fair. After several months of diligent searching, Elham landed a job through the work experience program.
“They can help you with pretty much everything. Resume building, attending a job fair, there’s a lot of amazing programs.”
Despite being in Canada for less than two years, Elham is actively engaged in his community. He attests the ease of getting involved to the YMCA.
“The YMCA helps newcomers live."
"If I was on my own, I don’t think I would have discovered a lot of things in Hamilton, or made the friends that I have, or been a part of this program. It all comes from the YMCA.”
With an inquisitive nature and drive for self-improvement, the future looks bright for Elham. He hopes to attend medical school to become a surgeon, but in his free time, he enjoys writing, photography and rowing.
Elham Yadgari's success story is a reminder of the impact that dedicated mentorship and support can have on a young person's life. Through the YOT program, Elham has not only achieved personal and professional milestones but has also become a guiding light for others on their own journeys.
#ShineOn #IgnitePotential #TheYSavesLives
Looking for something to ignite your potential? Our youth programs teach life skills, offer academic support, and prepare young people for bright futures!
