The Italian Canadian Youth Formation Centre

The Italian Canadian Youth Formation Centre was founded in 1974, by Enrico del Castello with the purpose of fostering Italian language and culture in Ottawa. The Centre began primarily as a Saturday morning school program focusing mainly on the teaching of language and culture at the elementary level. In time, it began to offer adult courses as well. The Centre also provided, and continues to provide today, opportunities for many ancillary activities such as: cultural and school exchanges with Italy, professional development workshops and symposia for teachers of Italian language and culture, a summer camp for children as well as other socio/cultural events. The Centre was created with the support of the St. Anthony’s Parish Youth Club and it since its inception it had the following for primary objectives:

• Familiarize youth and students with Italian language and culture

• Promote a community spirit through the implementation of various socio/cultural initiatives intended for the whole community

• Familiarize the students with the parish life by promoting an active participation and encouraging a knowledge of the fundamental notions of the Christian message

• Provide the opportunity to develop, organize and initiate healthy week-end and weekly activities with the objectives of creating a fun learning environment for Italian language and culture. 

The Italian Canadian Youth Formation Centre operates its elementary and adult programs in co-operation with the Conseil des Écoles Catholiques de Langue Française du Centre Est (Board of Education) and employs from 10 to 17 instructors, a director of the educational program, one secretary and a number of supply instructors.

Since its inception in 1974 The Centre has benefitted from Grants and Contributions from The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) through the auspices of the Embassy of Italy in Ottawa, who has followed and continues to follow with great interest the initiatives of the Centre. Such contributions are an integral part of the Italian Government policy for the promotion of the Italian language and culture throughout the world. 

The Italian Canadian Youth Formation Centre became officially affiliated with the Santuario Della Madonna Del Divino Amore in Rome, during the course of an official ceremony presided by Monsignor Pasquale Silla the Rector of the Sanctuary at that time. This affiliation continues today and an image of the Madonna accompanies all the religious celebrations.

Although all aspects of the educational program are the responsibility of the Board of Education, the Centre annually elects 11 members to a Board of Directors who advise the director of the educational programs and who, in turn, makes recommendations to the Board of Education regarding curriculum and staffing. The Board of Directors also makes decisions regarding the Centre’s many other activities.

A Parents’ Committee is also elected annually to help the director of the educational program in school-related events and provide invaluable feedback.

Board of directors

The Board of Directors consists of 13 members, including a President, Treasurer, Secretary. The Vice-President position is usually filled by the President of the Parents’ Committee. The Director of the educational program is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. The Board usually consists of a balanced representation of parents, teachers and community members.

The Board’s mandate is to advise the Director of the educational program who, in turn, makes recommendations to the Board of Education regarding curriculum and staffing. It also makes decisions regarding the Center's many other activities.

A General Assembly is held each year in January to elect the board members. Anyone interested in being elected to the board is encouraged to attend the meeting.

The 2024 Board of Directors:

President: Cristina del Castello
Vice President: Marianna Sterlini
Treasurer: Paolo Siraco
Secretary: Antonio Santamaria
Councillors: Rina Mafrici, Enrico del Castello, Anthony Noce, Maria Cinquino, Sam Genio, Adriana Bacelar Guimaraes
Educational Director: Paolo Drago
Deacon: Leonardo Sbrocchi
Honorary President: Enrico del Castello

Parents’ committee

The Parent’s Committee seeks to enhance learning opportunities, through various events, for the benefit of all students in the school and to encourage parental involvement within the school.

Annual events include the preparation for the Christmas Celebration, Carnevale, the preparation to the Easter Celebration, the Annual Family BBQ and the Closing Ceremonies. In the past, various fundraisers including bake sales, raffles, an airplane tour, have raised money to enable the Committee to purchase a variety of items for the students.

The Committee is always seeking new faces and ideas to continue to develop a strong parental community within the school. To volunteer to help with school activities, share ideas on enhancing your child’s cultural experience or obtain further information, please contact us today.

Would you like to help out? To work with us?  

The Center offers several possibilities of collaboration:

• to be a teacher (partially paid positions)

• volunteering during school hours

• volunteering for extracurricular initiatives

• a member of the Parents Committee

• a member of the Board of Directors

• other

And don’t forget: for your children, choose a school where your participation is guaranteed!

Funding

Four sources of funding help support this organization:

1) The Ontario Government’s Ministry of Education and Training, through legislation enacted in 1978, which allowed programs for International Languages to operate a maximum of 2.5 hours weekly, provides funding for staff, site rental and some educational materials.

2) The government of Italy’s Ministry of External Affairs and International Cooperation, through the Embassy of Italy, has responded to the Centre’s request for professional development initiatives, textbooks and other supplementary educational materials and many special initiatives.

3) The Parents’ Committee, through its fundraising efforts and community support, provides additional funding for extra-curricular activities such as traditional dancing, music and soccer.

4) Donations through the United Way/Centraide to the Italian Canadian Youth Formation Centre also help fund the program. The Italian Canadian Youth Formation Center is a registered charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. When completing the information for your United Way/ Centraide contribution at work include the designation of your contribution to:

Italian Canadian Youth Formation Centre / Centre De Formation Italo-Canadien Pour La Jeunesse
BN/Registration Number: 891916165RR0001