TYF’s Mission
The Tamil Youth Fellowship (TYF) is dedicated to equipping Tamil youth with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to make a meaningful impact in public service. We are committed to engaging young Tamil individuals who bring unique perspectives and lived experiences, with the goal of developing impactful programs and policies that address the needs of our community. TYF empowers the next generation of Tamil public servants and political leaders through an intensive, eight-month program. The inaugural cohort began in May 2021, with the fellowship structured around four months of focused training and mentorship, followed by a 12-week placement in the office of a City Councillor.
The Tamil Youth Fellowship
In 2019, following the success of the Muslim and Black Youth Fellowship, City Council approved the expansion of the initiative to other racialized communities. This led to the launch of the Tamil Youth Fellowship, which began its first cohort in January 2021 with 10 Tamil youth participants. As of 2023, the program has completed three cohorts, with a total of 13 fellows successfully graduating.
The Fellowship aims to recruit five aspiring Tamil leaders, providing them with the skills and training necessary to excel in public service roles. Participants will enhance their political insight and gain hands-on experience in government operations, ensuring that the voices of our community are actively represented in the decision-making processes of our elected officials.
Toronto is the fourth-largest city in North America and one of the most diverse cities globally. It is essential that our public service reflects the communities it serves, and programs like TYF are instrumental in supporting and uplifting the leaders of tomorrow.
“The fellowship showed that there are so many ways policies can be developed and implemented especially as racialized folks. I witnessed many racialized folks in leadership capacities which encouraged me to continue pursuing my interests and passions.”