Gurkirat Singh Nijjar
As founder of the non-profit youth-led organization SOUDA—Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder and Addictions Society of Canada—Nijjar is responsible for bringing life-saving resources to our community. Since September 2019, Nijjar has led his team of volunteers to set up opioid overdose response and prevention booths at community events, places of worship and parks. Team SOUDA offers education, resources, naloxone training and conversation in four languages to help break the stigma and encourage harm reduction strategies. Nijjar has also worked to improve pedestrian road safety in the Newton neighborhood of Surrey through a road safety campaign. In addition, Nijjar has made time to volunteer with Chimo Community Services’ crisis line program, along with volunteering in the community kitchen of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara and the food bank.
Navigating Paths to Wellness: A Strengths-Based Photovoice Project with South Asian Youth
"Navigating Paths to Wellness" is a strengths-based photovoice project that amplifies the voices of South Asian youth in Vancouver's Lower Mainland who face substance use and mental health challenges. Through visual storytelling, participants document their recovery journeys, highlighting the people, places, and resources that supported them. The project addresses the cultural gaps in the overdose crisis, aiming to reduce stigma, inspire social change, and foster a deeper understanding within the community.
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
"Navigating Paths to Wellness" will conduct three photovoice sessions with South Asian youth facing substance use and mental health challenges. Participants will document their recovery through photography, culminating in a final event on November 3, 2024, where they present their stories to promote awareness and inspire community action.
Project Impact
The "Navigating Paths to Wellness" project will empower South Asian youth in Vancouver's Lower Mainland to share their recovery journeys from substance use and mental health challenges. Through photovoice sessions, participants will create powerful visual narratives that will inspire community awareness and drive systemic change. The project will reduce stigma, enhance cultural sensitivity in interventions, and foster a stronger support network within the South Asian community. The final event will showcase these stories, sparking meaningful conversations and encouraging action.
Project Mission
"Navigating Paths to Wellness" aims to empower South Asian youth in Vancouver's Lower Mainland by documenting their recovery journeys through photovoice. The project focuses on showcasing the resources and support systems vital to overcoming addiction, challenging stigma, and inspiring social change. It seeks to boost confidence in young men in recovery, support families, and influence policy through powerful storytelling.
Project Team
Team Members includes students, mental health youth ambassadors, peers with livid experience, high school teacher, community leaders
- Kulpreet Singh, Parvinder Singh, Jasmin Bains, Tajdeep Singh, Karan Bains, Sukhman Sandhu, Dupinder Kaur, Avneet Dhillon, Diljot Kaur, Anoop Singh, Karambir Singh & others
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