Diya Elz Praveen
As a high school student and newcomer to Canada, my journey have shaped me to approach my community with curiosity and openness. Moving to a new country taught me how important it is to feel heard and represented, and it has shaped the way I see leadership. I seek to help create spaces where people feel heard, especially those from underrepresented or vulnerable communities. I am someone who takes initiative, asks questions, and is not afraid to speak up. I believe that my role as a young community leader is not about being the loudest or the best, but being willing to learn, and having the courage to speak up about issues that matter to one's community and the people around.
COJA (Club Optimiste des Jeunes Adultes) Civics Ready Project 2026-2027
COJA Civics Ready is a youth-led, bilingual civic education project that helps Ottawa high school students understand municipal government and discover practical ways to participate in their communities. Through interactive school-based events reaching approximately 150 students each, the project connects youth with civic leaders, organizations, and resources while making civic engagement more accessible and relevant. By reducing barriers such as limited access to information, transportation, and scheduling, COJA Civics Ready empowers underrepresented youth to confidently make their voices heard.
https://cojaottawa.ca/
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
COJA Civics Ready will deliver two interactive, school-based civic education events for approximately 150 Grade 11–12 students each. Through presentations, activities, and connections with civic organizations and leaders, students will learn about municipal government, voting, and practical ways to participate. Events will be delivered during school hours to reduce accessibility barriers.
Project Impact
COJA Civics Ready will help approximately 300 Ottawa youth build the knowledge and confidence to participate in their communities. By focusing on youth who are often underrepresented in civic spaces, the project will reduce barriers to civic engagement, connect students with practical opportunities, and encourage young people to see themselves as active contributors to local decision-making.
Project Mission
COJA Civics Ready’s mission is to make civic education and local democratic participation more accessible, relevant, and inclusive for Ottawa youth. Through youth-led, bilingual programming, the project aims to strengthen students’ understanding of municipal government, increase confidence in civic participation, and provide practical pathways for young people to make their voices heard in their communities.
Project Team
Our youth-led team divides responsibilities across curriculum, partnerships, communications, logistics, finance, and overall project coordination.
Video
COJA: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Donate to Sprout to support fellows
Support young social innovators by donating to the Sprout Ideas Fund, providing capacity-building and resources needed to launch projects that create positive social change.
Donate Now