Libraries

The annual Mathieu Da Costa Challenge of Citizenship and Immigration Canada is a fun way for young people to learn more about Canada’s cultural diversity.

The contest invites young Canadians between the ages of 9 and 18 to submit an original piece of writing (e.g. short story, poem, song, play, illustrated story, essay, etc.) or artwork (including computer generated artwork) celebrating the contributions made by Canadians of Aboriginal, African or other backgrounds to the building of Canada.

Encourage young people to participate

Here are some of the ways you can promote the Challenge and encourage young people to take part:

• Prominently display the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge poster. If you need additional posters, contact us.
• Make the brochure and entry form available to library users in the main reception area or in another prominent area of the library.
• Dedicate a specific section of the library to the Challenge. Display books dealing with Canadian history and multiculturalism along with the poster, brochure and entry forms.
• Promote the Challenge in your library newsletter.
• Hold a Mathieu Da Costa Challenge workshop for young people. Activities could include stories and crafts on the theme of multiculturalism.
• Create a Mathieu Da Costa Challenge bulletin board. Post contest information and display the work of young library users. Don’t forget to ask them to have their parent/guardian sign the participant’s entry form to be eligible to enter the contest.
• Distribute information to visiting schools or youth groups.
• Promote the Challenge on your website. Provide links to resources, including the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. If you need any visuals or text, please contact us.

Find out more about the contest details.

For more information or copies of promotional material:

Contact us at 1–888–77MULTI (1–888–776–8584) or send us an e–mail at mathieudacosta@cic.gc.ca.