On August 9, French for the Future will bring together thirty-five 10th and 11th grade students from nine provinces and two territories at the University of Moncton, New Brunswick, from August 9 to 14, for the 22nd edition of the National Ambassadors Youth Forum (FNJA). Over the course of six days, participants will enjoy an immersive experience conducted entirely in French, focusing on leadership, bilingualism, exploring Canada's Francophone community, and community engagement.
During their stay, the young people will take part in a program composed of workshops, lectures, cultural activities, and meetings that will help them develop their leadership, project management, and public speaking skills. They will also discover the richness of New Brunswick's Francophone community through immersive experiences that will take them to the Acadian Museum, Hopewell Rocks, and a Francophone musical show, among other places. These activities will give them a better understanding of the history, culture, and vitality of the Acadian community, while helping them build connections with young people from across the country who share a passion for the Francophone culture.
At the end of the Forum, participants will officially become ambassadors for French for the Future. Throughout the school year, their mission will be to promote French and official bilingualism in their communities by organizing activities that encourage other young people to live in French.
"What fascinates me every year is seeing just how much a single week can change a person's path. Young people arrive with very different backgrounds, circumstances, and levels of confidence. In Moncton, at the heart of the Acadian Francophone community, they have a life-changing experience. They leave convinced that they have a place in Canada's Francophone community and that they can truly contribute to its future. This transformation has been the magic of the National Forum for over twenty years, and we are fully confident that the Class of 2026 will also write its own story."
Geneviève Gobeil, interim Executive Director of French for the Future.
The program's impact extends well beyond the six days of the Forum. During their term, the ambassadors of the 2025-2026 cohort have reached more than 6,100 people across Canada by carrying out a wide range of initiatives to promote the French language in their communities. From activity sessions to French clubs, as well as their participation in community events and many other projects, their actions demonstrate that youth engagement is a powerful driving force for the promotion of Canada's Francophonie.
