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“We could tell immediately from Abdul’s video application that he embodies the spirit and energy of the Canada C3 project,” said Lisa (Diz) Glithero, the education team lead for the expedition.

She said the review committee was struck by his genuine nature and curiosity to learn more about Canada. The trip is supposed to engage with four Canada 150 themes: diversity and inclusion, reconciliation, youth and the environment.

Michelle and Ryan Young, two members of a large community group in North Glenora helping to resettle the family, saw an advertisement in a newspaper about the trip and encouraged him to apply.

His leg of the trip — the 11th of 15 — will travel from Kugluktuk, Nunavut, to Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., in early September. The itinerary includes joining community members in Kugluktuk on their annual pilgrimage to Kugluk Falls and visits to the Smoking Hills and Fiji Island.

Al Masoud said he’s excited about the trip but a bit nervous — particularly about talking in front of a camera.

When asked about his goals for the adventure, he said he wanted to learn more about the country.

“And I want to be a leader for young people,” he added.

After finishing off the 2016 school year at Ross Sheppard High School, he spent the summer studying at Jasper Place High School, where his English skills developed more rapidly. Now he’s a student at Centre High Campus with aspirations of working in the construction industry or becoming a mechanic or security guard. He’s interested in studying at NorQuest College, where his parents are learning English, and he works two days a week. He spends his free time playing soccer and basketball.

Though he misses home, and a sister still in Lebanon, he said he loves Canadians and feels welcome in Edmonton.

“Abdul is completely endearing,” said Michelle Young.

“He is excited to be a Canadian, he’s grateful to be a Canadian and he comes with an openness that people could learn from.”