Ontario officials say Windsor could benefit from a new mentorship program being launched for black children and youth.
It is expected to help young people in priority communities to build confidence and develop skills for school and work.
Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism, was at Alexandra Park Community Centre in Toronto Wednesday to announce the new program called Together We Can.
“Partnering with local community organizations to provide mentorship opportunities specifically for black children and youth will help them build the skills and connect them with the opportunities they need to succeed,” says Coteau.
He says it will also help black children and youth build cultural awareness and identity.
The program will support up to 25 locally developed mentorship initiatives for Black children and youth in priority communities, including Windsor, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and Ottawa.
The province will partner with community organizations to design and deliver the program in a way that responds to local needs, which could include activities like job skills training, tutoring or arts-based activities.
Four Toronto area programs are already in development. The province is inviting community organizations to apply for the remaining 21 programs.
Together We Can is part of the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan, a four-year, $47-million commitment to help reduce disparities for more than 10,000 Black children, youth and families in communities across the province.
Eliminating systemic racism and advancing racial equity is part of Ontario's plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
