Media Minds

Media Minds is a new program implemented by Enactus SFU in response to major reductions in funding for ESL programs by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education.  To address this socio-economic need, Media Minds complements traditional ESL style programs by using videography as a tool to help immigrant youth creativel learn English. Through a series of 7-week workshops, our participants learn tangible media skills such as storyboarding, filming, and editing. In addition, students are given the opportunity to organize a community screening night, gaining project management skills in the process. Working with other peers as well as their "Media Mentors", these immigrant youth overcome language barriers to take on projects such as creating a documentary about their transition from life in their home country to life in Canada. The major takeaway from the 7-week workshop is for these youth to gain intangible skills (interpersonal, communication, confidence, etc.) to help better integrate them into Canadian society. Ultimately, we hope to give participants peer-to-peer mentorship, increased and ongoing support throughout the transition process, and media, cultural, and social-emotional skills development.