Asian Youth Group Plans Open House

The public is invited to an open house ceremony that will highlight the accomplishments of a San Fernando Valley-based Asian youth group.

About 50 students who belong to the Youth Leadership Training Program are expected to compete in a humorous speech and storytelling contest at Saturday’s event, according to Chia-Rhu Yang, the program’s director.

The Youth Leadership Training Program is sponsored by the Asian & Pacific Islanders Council of the San Fernando Valley, a nonprofit coalition of community organizations and social service providers that promotes the social, cultural and civic interests of the local Asian and Pacific Islander community.

From 1980 to 1990, the Valley’s Asian and Pacific Islander population soared to 124,000, from 3% to 8% of the Valley’s population. As a result, the council organized the training program to help growing numbers of Asian youths develop leadership skills.

The program helps the kids build self-esteem by learning about their Asian and Pacific American history and their contributions to this country. They also learn to help one another by serving as role models, peer counselors and mentors.

Saturday’s open house will take place at the Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford St. in Pacoima. A luncheon is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by the ceremony from 2 to 4:30.

The luncheon is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

For further information, call (818) 703-8693.