Kassia Kooy

I recently completed my undergraduate studies and majored in Peace and Conflict Studies and Fine Arts. I am currently associated with CJI’s New Canadian Youth Connection program since the past year. I first learned about Restorative Justice at my university after taking a course about the same. It is an important concept because of its emphasis on building broken relationships for creating a just community. Community Justice Initiatives has left no stone unturned in bringing a positive change in the lives of hundreds of people ever since it came into existence. Bringing people together so they can understand each other and challenging assumptions is the path to building healthy and safe communities, which is precisely what CJI does. Your work not only impacts people and the community but, brings positive change in you as a person too. The lessons I have learned and the people I have met while working with CJI have changed me. I could say I am a better person now than I was before I started working with CJI. All you need to be part of the organization is to come in with an open mind and a willingness to be challenged in order to get the most out of your experience. I have been working with a group of youngsters from refugee families and the most rewarding part of my work is the relationships I have built with them, including the trust they have in me. It also satisfies me to see all these youngsters do well in life. That is what makes me happy. I remember the first time I helped youngsters with their homework, I was uncomfortable and communication wasn’t easy. Today, I sit with the same group of youngsters, help them with their homework, play games, crack jokes and just be there for each other. It is not only a journey for them but, for me as well.