The Canadian government is supporting two new projects aimed at helping Muslim youth address discrimination and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada will provide $441,000 dollars for My Canada, a project that provides access to multi-faith sessions for both Muslim and non-Muslim youth in schools and community centres.

“This project demonstrates the importance of promoting common understanding and mutual respect — the basic building blocks to achieve peace and stability here in Canada and elsewhere in the world,” says Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

As for the other project, the Status of Women Canada group will provide $314,000 dollars for Being a Canadian Muslim Woman in the 21st Century. With this initiative, women will be able to discuss discrimination, violence and human rights.

Both projects will be coordinated by the Canadian Council of Muslim Women. Alia Hogben, Executive Director of the Canadian Council for Muslim Women said:

“We are grateful for the funding, which will assist us to foster Canadian Muslim youth’s active engagement and participation so that they can develop their sense of identity and sense of belonging. This will be achieved by their involvement in their local communities with other youth of different religions and cultural backgrounds.”

The Canadian Council for Muslim Women is a national non-profit organization of women committed to the equality, equity and empowerment of Muslim women.