Campus Saint-Jean partners with francophone youth organization

In August 2026, Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ) signed an official partnership with Francophonie Jeunesse de l’Alberta (FJA.) 

FJA is an organization that represents French-speaking youth all over Alberta from ages 14 to 25. It fosters a French-speaking community in Alberta and provides leadership and work opportunities for French-speaking youth. 

Julianna Damer, executive director of FJA, sat down with The Gateway to explain more about what the partnership entails. 

Strengthening French-language opportunities

While the official partnership with FJA was signed this year, the organization has already been collaborating with the French-speaking campus unofficially. The partnership helped demonstrate “the significant value in the connection between the community and the university body,” said Damer. 

Jason Carey, dean of CSJ, commented that the partnership “provide[s] a space of inclusion and opportunity for developing multicultural and interdisciplinary leaders.” 

The partnership was inspired by FJA’s desire to develop stronger connections to CSJ and to ensure youth are aware of opportunities outside of school where they can speak French. 

FJA also works with L’Association des Universitaires de la Faculté Saint-Jean (AUFSJ) and plans to collaborate with them on events during the academic year. The partnership will broaden the organization’s presence on campus and offer students a more concrete understanding of how they can get involved. 

Filling in gaps when AUFSJ does not have time to plan events is a key goal. 

“For us, it’s an amazing opportunity to understand the reality of a French immersion student,” Damer explained. Most students at CSJ come from French immersion schools and seek opportunities to speak French outside of an academic setting. 

Events this year

So far, FJA hosted a back-to-school barbecue event at CSJ on September 19. Students had opportunities to interact with peers and play card games in French. More social events like it will be on the way. 

“We are hoping there’s going to be opportunities to do some group discussions, and specific topics that affect youth.” 

Their events and programming is “all by and for youth,” and are promoting activities such as volunteering at their youth rally, and participating in a youth mock parliament. 

Meeting other French-speaking youth helps address issues such as language insecurity. FJA welcomes everyone, regardless of language level or accent, to partake in their activities. 

“I think a lot of times people think FJA is only for francophone students,” she said. “But really we’re there for anyone who wants to speak French in a safe environment.” 

A kiosk at the November FJA youth rally will be held for grade nine students to ask questions regarding future university education in French. Volunteers from CSJ will also be attending events in order to promote the campus and encourage greater enrolment. 

To keep the partnership strong, it will be evaluated every six months. “I hope we can get stronger as the years go by,” said Damer.