CitizenshipCounts.ca is a new national website and Android/iPhone app that helps young people study for the citizenship test and learn about the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
"Many immigrant and refugee youth are unsure of what it means to be a Canadian citizen, or are unaware of their citizenship status. Complications arise if they try to travel or get charged with a crime." says Debbie Douglas, Executive Director of OCASI, "We are confident that CitizenshipCounts.ca will help change that trend."
The website encourages youth to earn "badges" as they complete educational tasks. This motivates users to learn and helps them keep track of their progress. Youth can also share their badges on Twitter or Facebook, and compete with others to get high scores on the online citizenship quiz.
"Studying for the Canadian citizenship test is daunting for anyone," notes Irfan Ali, a youth Advisory Committee member, "it can be especially hard for newcomer youth, many of whom have to overcome language barriers. CitizenshipCounts.ca makes that process easier and more fun."
CitizenshipCounts.ca is a project of OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
