What We Do

SDG Accelerator Program

The SDG Accelerator Program is a national initiative for students who want to make a difference in their communities while helping Canada achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This free program equips young people with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and funding needed to design and launch community projects that support Canada’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Through six structured lesson plans, paired assignments, and hands-on activities, students will explore all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and put their learning into action by developing youth-led initiatives that drive meaningful change. This collection of activities and short lectures equips them with the knowledge and tools to design tangible community projects rooted in the SDGs, while also integrating EDIA-R principles and Truth and Reconciliation priorities.

What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?

In 2015, countries globally agreed to 17 shared goals, called the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a global call to action to solve our most important issues in our society, such as climate change, poverty, gender equality, Indigenous reconciliation, and many more. These goals are created to make the world a better place by 2030.

The SDGs matter because they give everyone, including young people (you!), a role in achieving the 2030 Agenda. By being in this program, you are already an SDG champion in your communities by sharing your learning and ideas, speaking up, and creating projects to improve your community.

If you would like to learn more about the UN SDGs, visit their website: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

About the Program

This program is a ready-made way to:

  • Connect classroom learning to real community impact
  • Introduce students to global citizenship and leadership skills
  • Encourage creativity, collaboration, and youth-led innovation
  • Align with curriculum areas such as civics, social studies, and global issues

What do your students gain?

  • Knowledge: Explore all 17 SDGs through interactive lesson plans and worksheets
  • Action: Design and launch a youth-led project addressing local needs.
  • Support: Receive mentorship and guidance to bring ideas to life.
  • Recognition: Earn a certificate of completion and a letter of recommendation.
  • Community: Connect with peers nationwide and present projects at national events.

To learn more about the program, sign up for a discovery call with Kai or send an email to Kai at kflicker@childrenfirstcanada.com 

Take Care

Join the SDG Accelerator Program​

Are you ready to turn your ideas into action and create real change in your community? The SDG Accelerator is more than a program. It’s a national call to action for youth to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

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Learn to take action on issues YOU care about by joining YCP today!

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Words have the power to shape minds, and reading gives us access to a world of wisdom. This International Literacy Day, we're empowering our children through the magic of books. Join us in fostering a love of reading. #ChildrenFirst #InternationalLiteracyDay #ReadingIsPower ...

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As kids head #BackToSchool 📚✏️🚌 you may be hearing the news about our #RaisingCanada report on the state of the nation’s children.

It’s making headlines in national and local news 📢

The report highlights the top 10 threats to childhood and calls on our Prime Minister and Premiers to take urgent action to improve children’s mental and physical health.

Spoiler alert ‼️ #thekidsarenotalright

As a parent, you may be wondering what this means for your child and what you can do to make life better for them and for their peers.

Our founder and CEO @saralaustin has a message for you!

Check out the 3 simple daily practices recommended @lby @drshimikang and learn how you can speak up for kids and help them speak up for themselves!

We all have the power to make life better for the kids we know and love 💕 and for all 8 million kids in Canada 🇨🇦

Will you join us?

#childrenfirst
#raisingcanada
#kidsofcanada
#mentalhealth
#righttoplay
#childrights
#8millionrising
#8millionstrong
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🚨The #RaisingCanada 2023 report is now available! 🚨

As kids head #backtoschool, the #RaisingCanada report couldn't be timelier. The report sounds the alarm on the state of the nation’s children, shedding light on the top 10 threats to childhood.

Among the key findings:

- 1/2 of Canadian youth experienced depression during the pandemic

- Rates of violence, poverty and racism have increased significantly

- Food insecurity among young people increased by 29%.

Climate change 🌎 is a persistent threat in 2023 due to rising rates of climate-related illnesses, deaths, and massive disruptions caused by wildfires and floods.

And for the first time, the report identifies technology misuse as an emerging and cross-cutting threat 📲.

Let's stand together and demand action.

It’s time for the Government of Canada and every province/territory to put #ChildrenFirst

Dive into the report to learn more about the challenges facing children and how we can make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up!

Read more about the top 10 threats by using the link in our bio!
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🎒🍎✏️The pencils are sharpened, the notebooks are new, and our hearts are full of anticipation. A brand new academic year is here! Wishing everyone a spectacular journey of discovery, filled with new friendships, inspiring lessons, and unforgettable moments. Let's make this a #SchoolYearToRemember! So, what are your goals this year? Drop them in the comments below! #ChildrenFirst #SchoolYearBegins #WelcomeBack #BacktoSchool ...

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“I remember the first event I joined feeling very nervous and not knowing what to expect. At the end of the event, I felt so inspired and grateful that I had a chance to connect with so many youths from across Canada dealing with the same struggles as me. From there, I joined every event. After each session, I had a better faith in myself and that our generation could lead a better and bolder Canada.”
Simi Sahota - YCP Participant

Simi Sahota

YCP Participant

“I believe that standing up for what is right is the most valuable thing you can do with your life. As humans, we have a moral obligation to make the world a better place than it was before we came along, and I believe that it is my responsibility to stand up.”
Rae Steeves Climate Activist

Rae Steeves

Climate Justice Activist and member of the Young Canadians’ Parliament

YCP Participants

YCP Participant

“I enjoyed meeting new people from across Canada, I enjoyed learning to facilitate and how technology worked. I loved speaking up to parliamentarians and having them listen. I really enjoyed meeting people with the same attitude and energy about changing the world.”

Check out this CBC Kids News Story about the YCP!

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Do you want to speak up about the issues that matter most to your generation? Join the Young Canadians’ Parliament! Registration closes September 9. Apply now

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Children Are Citizens with Rights!

The Young Canadians’ Parliament (YCP) is led by Children First Canada’s Youth Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Council. It is built from a rights-based approach, and one of the central tenets involves teaching children their rights and supporting their participation in decisions that affect their lives. The YCP is open to children and youth in Canada under the age of 18, and involves participants that represent the rich diversity of Canadian society. This project has been made possible in part by the Canadian Red Cross, Government of Canada, Gail O’Brien, TELUS, IG Wealth Management, and #RisingYouth, a program of TakingITGlobal. Special thanks to our partner, Wisdom2Action.

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