Introduction of VLA's New Content in 2026

With the start of a new year, VLA has entered a new phase. On January 11, 2026, VLA’s Youth Committee held a kick-off meeting.

This picture contains many snapshots of VLA’s activities in 2025

For VLA, 2026 is not just about increasing the number of activities—it is an opportunity to review and integrate the direction of future activities, departmental roles, and modes of collaboration. As a youth-led team, we hope to continuously clarify our positions and values through real actions, ongoing reflection, and team cooperation, and to keep improving along the way.

Jan 11st’s session focused on the planning of activities for this semester, the design of new projects, and team responsibilities distribution, marking the beginning of this new journey together.

Activity Directions

In the new year, the VLA Youth Committee will take on greater responsibility in planning and implementing a wider variety of activities. Our activities will no longer be limited to a single track but will revolve around experiences, reflection, and practical action across various themes, covering sharing, hands-on experiences, practice, and operational projects.

Through these different forms of activities, we hope our friends will no longer be passive participants but become active planners and reflectors, developing skills in communication, collaboration, and decision-making within real-life contexts.

The youth talked about what they planned to do in 2026

New Project Introduction

“The Human Side of Decision Making” is an interview project initiated by the VLA Youth Committee, focusing on the choices individuals make in different stages and contexts of their lives. The project invites people from diverse backgrounds to share their stories, growth experiences, hesitations, and decisions through face-to-face interviews, helping youth understand how people make their decisions.

The youth make faces after an interview to Nora Sun, a 30-years-old new immigrant.

This project is fully planned, executed, and documented by the VLA Youth Committee. We have already completed two interviews, handling everything from venue arrangement and question design to filming and documentation. We have also conducted systematic reflections and summaries of these interviews, identifying both successes and areas for improvement to continuously enhance the quality of future interviews.

Activity Planning

For this semester, we plan to hold four different types of activities each month, categorized as: humanities and social sciences activities, AI and technology activities, Youth Committee activities, and interview sessions.

Celine Liu, Chairman of VLA Youth Committee, introduced 3 tracks of the Youth Activity.

——Weekly sharing 

Folks can exchange and share on topics such as personal interests, learning experiences, or social issues, cultivating skills in expression and active listening.

——Outdoor & Field Activities
We plan to organize a series of experiential or visiting activities, such as trips to museums, climbing gyms, or theme parks. These activities offer diverse experiences and create opportunities for members to step outside the regular learning environment. 

Through these activities, our friends can observe, practice, and reflect in real contexts, gradually building a holistic understanding of themselves, their surroundings, and learning methods. Learning naturally extends beyond the classroom, becoming a continuous process rather than being confined to formal lessons.

——Project-based Activities
These include visits to Tesla Car Modificine Store to learn mechanism, distribute fridge magnets with Torronto icons in gift store or beverage shop... The Youth Committee plans to act as a “bridge,” connecting products with the local market and overseas goods. Students who are interested in busiess can gain practical experience in advance.

The 3 tracks of the Youth activity day

Donations

In the previous stage of activities (for details, see the Spring Festival/Christmas event sessions), we received a total of 120 CAD in donations. The team is currently discussing potential donation targets, including UNICEF Canada, local food banks, or community public organizations, fostering an understanding of social responsibility through practice.

Team Roles

To ensure smooth execution of activities, the VLA Youth Committee has established different functional roles, including event planning, video editing, copywriting, photography, and finance. By distributing responsibilities, each individual can take ownership, contributing to overall team operation, coordination, communication, and mutual support.

Boys and girls are discussing what they want to do as a team member in VLA.

Conclusion | Moving Toward a Clearer Semester

This meeting not only helped the VLA Youth Committee clarify the activity directions and team roles for the new semester but also reflected on and summarized previous interviews, providing clear guidance for improving future projects. Starting from the beginning of the new year, through continuous discussion, experimentation, and adjustment, we are gradually building an understanding of collaboration, decision-making, and practical action.

For VLA, learning does not occur only in the classroom—it extends through repeated participation, reflection, and choices. Guided by this understanding, VLA will continue to explore and practice in the new year, constantly calibrating our direction through action.

Author‘s Bio: Wenqi Xiao

Wenqi Xiao is a student at Abbey Park High School in Ontario, Canada. She has a strong interest in music, especially playing the cello, which allows her to express herself and explore her creativity through classical and modern pieces. Through music, she has developed patience, focus, and a deeper appreciation for the arts. She is eager to learn new things and enjoys challenging herself both academically and creatively.