Meet Youth en Route’s new Education Assistant and Communications Assistant

Back in April, Youth en Route began a search to fill two Canada Summer Student job positions. I am happy to now introduce Kauther Alsaimari, YER’s new Education Assistant. I would also like to introduce myself, Christian Savard, YER’s new Communications Assistant.

Kauther and I met recently to discuss our roles on the YER team. I got to learn more about how Kauther first heard about the opportunity, what interested her in applying, the kind of work she does as an Education Assistant, and the positive impact her work has on the students we cycle with.

A meaningful summer job

Kauther first heard about Youth en Route and the Education Assistant position through a Google Search using the phrase educational assistant summer. “I was looking for opportunities to combine my passion for teaching children and youth with a meaningful summer job,” says Kauther. “This position immediately caught my eye.”

Kauther explained to me that Youth en Route’s mission to encourage more students to ride bikes to school safely resonated with her. The idea of empowering students with knowledge about bike safety and repairs was something she found incredibly valuable and inspiring.

“I believe it’s not only important for students to understand the benefits of biking but also to learn essential skills like bike maintenance.”

Supporting students and teachers

As the Education Assistant, Kauther supports teachers in delivering curriculum related to cycling and adaptive cycling, including traffic safety, safe cycling, and urban planning to promote safer routes. Her tasks include updating existing lesson plans and curriculum guides, as well as planning and creating new ones in collaboration with teachers, administrators, classroom aides, and other Youth en Route staff. She prepares lesson materials, tools, activities, and games for use with students of all ages and abilities, ensuring that they meet learning outcomes.

Kauther also delivers instructional content to a wide variety of audiences, including ESL learners and special education students. “My role involves planning and leading interactive activities and discussions, fostering interaction among students, and providing resources and support to both students and teachers.”

Making a positive impact

Kauther hopes that the work she does will have a significant positive impact on both Youth en Route and the students. She wants to see an increase in the number of students who feel confident and excited about biking to school.

“Biking not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also fosters a sense of independence and responsibility among the students. Additionally, Youth en Route’s programs have helped create a more bike-friendly school environment, encouraging more students to choose biking as their primary mode of transportation.”

Behind the scenes

As for me, my work happens behind the camera and at the keyboard as I tell Youth en Route’s story. You won’t see me in any of the photos, because I’m the one taking them! You will see me alongside the Youth en Route team when we’re teaching at schools, capturing photos and conducting interviews with students and teachers about their experience with the organization.

I turn this content into social media posts and blog posts, like this one! I cover Youth en Route’s weekly activities and success stories, as well as invite students and schools to engage with the organization, such as by promoting our new Youth Advisory Council.

I applied to be the Communications Assistant because it involved everything that I’m passionate about: media production, writing, and a meaningful cause that empowers youth.

Youth Advisory Council

If you’ve applied to join the Youth Advisory Council, you’ll get to meet Kauther and I during our first meeting on June 25 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Members will receive $25.00 per meeting.

Youth en Route is all about empowering youth to choose active travel, and we are so excited to now have youth voicing their opinions and setting the direction for our innovative charity!