Launch of the CANADA - AFRICA Cultural and Educational Networking

2022-12-04

Engaged For Children held the 1st session of the CANADA - AFRICA Cultural and Educational Networking on Saturday, December 3, 2022. More than 25 participants were connected from Toronto (Ontario), Trois-Rivières (Quebec), Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire) and Bujumbura (Burundi) for this kick-off session, with the support and facilitation of 5 volunteers (certified teachers and leadership coaches).

This project aims to support and promote the realization of Engaged For Children's initiative for the reinforcement of Multicultural Leadership and Resilience of children, adolescents and youth from racialized ethnocultural communities in Canada (particularly in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec) and in the organization's target countries (Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire). It contributes to develop their self-confidence, acceptance and ability to interact in their daily lives with others who are different from them, through multicultural leadership training, participatory and inclusive arts, sports and multicultural exploration activities. These activities will aim to make the project's beneficiaries aware of the precedence and importance of discovering their own skills and their place in society (e.g. artistic skills), to focus on team spirit for the achievement of common goals (e.g. sports skills) and to actively fight against bullying and racism in their daily lives through a strong capacity of resilience (e.g. being a leader in activities at school). In addition, the project will allow a large number of children, adolescents and youth to explore and learn about the history of other cultural communities in Canadian society that are different from their own - without having to travel to their countries of origin (countries in Africa) - and to share ideas, knowledge and experiences with their peers in Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire. In addition, it will help strengthen their commitment to promoting the cultural and religious diversity of Canadian society in their home communities. The discussion sessions are taking place thanks to the financial support of Employment and Social Development Canada, which has helped to strengthen the technical and material capacities of the organization within the framework of the Social Development Partnerships Program: Children and Families component.

Participation in the virtual discussion sessions is open to elementary school students (grades 4 to 6) and secondary school students (grades 7 to 10). Students in grades 11 and 12 of high school can also participate as volunteers and peer educators for other younger children.

Registration is still open until December 16, 2022 for the two remaining discussion sessions. The next session is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2022 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am (Eastern Time, GMT-5). For those eligible, click on the link to register (in French).