Happy Friday!

As professionals working with Black youth (ages 10 years old and upward) and through our recent engagement with these demographics in the Region of Waterloo, we have come to recognize that male-identifying youth in particular who are Black identifying are not granted many opportunities for volunteer work and paid work. This was evident in the data obtained (narratives of various systemic barriers such as anti-Black racism and discrimination that the youth shared) from our most recent leadership workshops with Black youth (one with youth who are English language learners (ELLs) and another for non ESL youth), and newcomer students in the Region.

I am so happy to commence work on this program (Leadership Skills Development and Pathway to Youth Entrepreneurship) that will run for 24 months and will create a culturally inclusive environment that demonstrates and promotes mutual respect, effective relationships, clear communication, explicit understandings of expectations, and critical self-reflection. In this inclusive environment, people of all cultural orientations will freely express who they are, their own opinions and points of view; fully participate in teaching, learning, work, and social activities; and feel safe from abuse, harassment, or unfair criticism as they learn and provide supports to low-income residents in the region.

Participants will learn hands-on, planning and budgeting; engaging with small businesses in the region; foundational skills in running a small business; customer service skills; conducting minor repairs such as drywall repair and installation, indoor painting needs, and minor home improvements for low-income families living in the Waterloo Region.

The instructors and mentors are professionals in the line of work who are invested in contributing to the growth and development of Black identifying youth in our region, as well as to our mission aimed at transforming personal narratives of Black persons, supporting and empowering them as they navigate systems in order to attain positive Self-actualization and Holistic wellness.

"No greater place to be than in a leadership position to lead young minds to prosperity"

Darrius Garrett

Thank you to the Region of Waterloo for the grant to move this work forward in our community!

#youthleadership
#communitydevelopment
#blackyouth #notforprofit

Written by Ajirioghene Evi-Cobbinnah via LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajirioghene-evi-b-a-b-s-w-m-s-w-aa47a81a9/