An 18-year-old Montrealer who spent her entire adolescence in a youth center is determined to make the statistics lie. If only a quarter of the young people in the DPJ complete their secondary education, the latter studies to become a lawyer, or even a coroner.
“I haven’t known any girl who [a] finished [son] secondary 5,” laments Keteline, referring to her years under the director of youth protection (DPJ). Hence the importance for her to follow her educational dreams and to show that it is possible.
Newly of age, she testifies openly, but prefers to keep her last name quiet. Keteline was only 8 years old when her mother died. She then went to her father’s house, where she experienced great difficulties which led to behavioral problems, she explains.
She entered a youth center at age 11 and lived in different DPJ group homes during her adolescence.
Financial support
She is now flying on her own, but she still receives support, notably with financial assistance from the DPJ Youth Foundation to help her start her adult life.
“The fact that they helped me [à payer] my studies are a lot less stress. And it’s very encouraging,” she rejoices.
She is currently in CEGEP in legal techniques, with a bachelor’s degree in law in her sights. “It’s always interested me,” she whispers. Lover of true crimeshe also sees herself wearing the coroner’s hat in several years.
Pay it forward
She also uses her experience at the DPJ to help other young people in difficulty, thanks to her employment at Tel-jeunes.
“There are a lot of situations where young people will call us and which are similar to what I experienced. I thought it was a job that suited me well,” emphasizes the shy young woman.
Because she makes no secret of it, living in a youth center is not always easy. It is an “intense” living environment with young people sometimes in crisis and where tension is often palpable.
“We each participate in the climate, but it can get heavy,” she says. His escapes were singing and athletics.
Against stress
The DPJ Youth Foundation paid for singing lessons for her, which helped her enormously to manage her stress, says Keteline.
Then, the costs associated with his training and equipment for running and long jumping were covered by the Foundation. “It allowed me to go out [du centre jeunesse]», remembers the one who even participated in provincial championships.
An injury ended her athletic career, but she still sings today… “in the shower,” laughs Keteline.
“It has an impact on our lives, our future,” she argues, regarding the financial aid received by the Foundation. This is why she agreed to speak about it publicly.
Moreover, the DPJ Youth Foundation is currently carrying out its major Christmas campaign in order to collect donations to help the children of the DPJ during the next year.
Big challenges
- In Quebec, more than 42,000 young people are supported by the DPJ
- One in three young people from the DPJ will experience at least one episode of homelessness during their life
- Only 25% of them have a high school diploma by age 19
- In 2022-2023, the Foundation financially supported 107 young people from the DPJ in pursuing their post-secondary studies
- Beyond studies, the Foundation helps hundreds of young people aged 16-25 in their transition to adult life.
Source: DPJ Youth Foundation