In late-October 2017, my social teacher introduced an opportunity to me, called the Vimy Pilgrimage Award: a fully-funded week-long educational experience to Belgium and France, where you go to learn about Canada’s efforts in the First World War. Curious to see what would happened, I applied and to my surprise: I won. Now this was way back in December, and believe it or not, I’m leaving in a little over a week!
I decided to introduce this opportunity to y’all, and probably the next few articles I write will be about the award. So, you ready? Let’s dig in:
So, the award is provided by The Vimy Foundation, an organization committed to recognizing and celebrating Canada’s efforts in the First World War, which is best represented by the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This battle took place on April 9-12 1917. Canada, during these years had a population of 8 million, and sent over 600 000 Canadians overseas, 60 000 were killed and 400 000 served in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was Canada’s first time coming onto the world stage as a united force and country. Unfortunately, only 30% of Canadians know about such an important event and sacrifice in Canadian history. Since there are no more First World War veterans, the Vimy Foundation celebrates the sacrifice made by Canadians during this time, with educational overseas programs, and their Vimy Pin, otherwise known as April’s Poppy. The Vimy Foundation, with the goal of educating the Canadian population, has this opportunity called the Vimy Pilgrimage Award. This award takes youth to Belgium and France to go and learn about Canada’s efforts in the First World War, and the events leading up to the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
To quote the Vimy Foundation: “Young Canadians, aged 14-17, who demonstrate a commitment to volunteer work through outstanding service, positive contributions, notable deeds, and bravery are eligible to apply for the Vimy Foundation’s annual Vimy Pilgrimage Award.”
The application consists of three written components: an essay, a resume, and a motivation letter. This year, the subject of the essay was: “If you could add a question about the First World War on the Canadian Citizenship exam, what would it be?” and it couldn’t be about the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The questions changes every year.
The resume is straightforward, you need to talk mostly about your volunteer work, as academic achievement is not a criteria. The more volunteer work you do the higher your chance will be to get chosen. I think that one of the things that caused me to be chosen was the sheer amount of hours I had volunteered, in comparison to youth my age. This part is the most important, since it shows how your actions has served others. Volunteer work is a big component in this award.
The motivation letter explains why you want to go on this trip, what you have done to deserve to go, why you deserve to go, and what you would add to the program if chosen; I wrote this part in French, but it’s not mandatory.
You also need a reference letter from a teacher, coach, minister etc. saying that they would recommend you for this award, and what you have done to deserve it.
If you get chosen as a candidate, you will also have to give a phone interview, close to half an hour: where they mostly ask about your resume and your application. If you get chosen as recipient of the award, you will then be notified via email or call.
If you get chosen as a candidate, first of all, congrats! In order to get ready for your interview and your application in general, educate yourself on the First World War. You can do this either by reading some articles, watching documentaries or films and looking through the Vimy Foundation’s website, which is here.
My favorite way of prepping was reading novels, since they’re both educational and entertaining, here ‘s a complete list:
- All Quiet on the Western Front
- Johnny Got His Gun
- The Good Soldier
- A Farewell to Arms
- Rilla of Ingleside
- The Poems of Wilfred Owen
- The Razor’s Edge
I was also suggested to read “The Stonecarvers”, which I am planning to take with me on the trip.
One quick tip, if you decide to read these books, don’t read them back to back, especially not “All Quiet on the Western Front” and “Johnny Got His Gun”. I made the mistake of reading these last two back-to-back in the span of three weeks, and I grew really depressed for a good month or so.
After winning the award, the Foundation will send you one hundred of their Vimy pins to sell around the city. The goal of selling these pins isn’t just fundraising, but to educate the public about the Canada and the First World War. Selling these pins creates an opportunity to do this and personally, I met some great people while selling these pins. And just to be clear, the money is going towards the Vimy Foundation, not the educational experience.
You also have to research a Canadian soldier who was killed in First World War. You need to write a short biography, and a tribute, acknowledging their sacrifice. This tribute can be in the form of a letter, poem etc. The photo in the middle is the soldier I chose: Hugh Cairns, the last Canadian soldier to receive the Victoria Cross Award in the First World War.
You will also be given a list of dozen or so articles that you have to read before going on the trip, so you have an idea of what happened during the First World War.
After all this hard work and commitment, your reward will be a voyage to France and Belgium. You will be visiting museums, war memorials, cemeteries, and cathedrals.
Since not everyone will have this opportunity, I am personally committed to sharing my experiences with you after I come back, and I’m looking forward to it.
I hope I sparked your interest in this opportunity, and be sure to expect more from me very soon!
P.S I was also interviewed by Global TV and Breakfast Television Calgary recently. Here is the Global TV link, and this is the Breakfast Television one, if you guys were interested!