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Youth Development

Education – The Magic Key

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BY: KATHY MCDONALD 

Over the last two weeks, just about every conference, parent or school meeting and presentation that I was involved with had as its main theme that education is key. I was particularly excited to be involved in the anti-racism directorates inaugural conference on Anti–Racism. They conducted an online poll and asked participants to choose what the most important issue is. Racism and education lead the polls by leaps and bounds. It was followed in the distance by justice then health and then child welfare.

It was very disappointing but not shocking to read the headlines in the paper that a teacher in Ontario is accused of making a racist statement. In my role of trustee, these are cases that I deal with far too often. Again, every time I bring to the forefront the negative behaviors of teachers I feel very strongly that it’s important to recognize that the vast majority of teachers take their duty to care for their students seriously. We must remember while school boards do their best to hire great teachers they invariably let a few undesirables in. This is where as parents we need to be vigilant. Far too often we don’t take action to make sure problems are rectified.

Recently, an angry parent called me about a comment an occasional teacher  (substitute teacher) made. The teacher allegedly said to the student “You are not acting like a good Indian”. There have been other allegations like the teacher who announced to his class that a student was “dumb because he is Black” and my final example is a teacher threatening to come to school and “gun down” the students if they don’t behave. Please note that by recent I mean recent, within the last week and one case dating back one year. Parents need to start speaking up and holding their school boards accountable. I would never suggest going to the media first to solve an issue. I always encourage the parents to resolve the issue with their child’s school. As most schools value parents as indispensable partners that are working together for the same goal, letting your child be the best that they can be.

The key is accountability. Parents I can’t emphasize enough how a vital part of the accountability equation is you, the parent. Let your voice be heard. Learn how to effectively advocate for your child. Parents you must also prioritize your child’s education. Remember one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is that of time.

Anti-racism is gaining momentum across the province in all sectors and it is up to us to participate and ensure that the various initiatives across the province, across all sectors don’t fizzle out. All voices matter. Each of us from the Black and Caribbean community needs to ensure that all levels of government are held accountable. We should speak up about any form of discrimination. We all have different methods that we may choose to be engaged. The important thing is that we get engaged and remain engaged until all systemic biases that discriminate against students on race, abilities, creed, gender, or any other reason is permanently dismantled.

Now, we must remember that this work at times can seem daunting. I would encourage all parents to consult your child’s school board website to garner the relevant information needed to guide you through the process. If the information is not forthcoming call your child’s school, they are usually willing to resolve issues. If you still feel that you are not satisfied, then you could call your local trustee. They will help you resolve the issue and explain the policies and procedures and the reasoning behind them. There will be times that you make feel frustrated and resigned to give up. I would encourage you to persevere to the end.

Any form of advocacy can often leave one feeling frustrated. The bottom line is that invariably any disruptions in an organization are not welcomed even if they lead to positive outcomes. At the end of the day, the holders of power usually don’t willingly relinquish their power. In fact, demanding equitable treatment for all students should not be seen as one group losing power. When we empower all students and set all students up for success the society as a whole benefits. The society as a whole sees huge economic gains and the society is healthier, happier and safer. Having a highly educated student body where all students achieve is a no-brainer and parents must insist that their students are served in an equitable, caring and healthy and safe environment. When parents do their part and the school and the community work together for student success the entire community benefits.

In the final analysis when all is said and done, as parents, we must zealously guard our children’s educational journey and do all in our power to make sure their full potential is realized. It is only through education that our children will maximize their potential. Regardless of the pathway that the student chooses, in the end, it’s their education, this magical key that will unlock their hopes, dreams, and opportunities. So, journey with me as we ensure that all our children get the keys they need for their life’s journey. Walk Good, Belle Marché.

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Youth Development

Understanding the multiple layers involved in navigating education spaces Parents of Black Children launch Navigating the Education System

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The work of the advocacy group Parents of Black Children (PoBC) has made a significant and revolutionary difference by bringing issues to the forefront that help Black families at all levels.

For over two years now, it has organized events, workshops and initiatives that have provided important information to the Black community to bring empowerment, knowledge and deep understanding of the multiple layers of the complex dynamics involved in navigating education spaces.

There are five core principles that underlie PoBC understanding of racism:

  1. Racialization
  2. Racism is about power
  3. Critical racial theory
  4. Our stories matter
  5. Racism is founded on White supremacy

On Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021, they launched the document Navigating the Education System,” which was a very empowering, enriching and inspiring tool for diverse Black families. Kearie Daniels, one of the cofounders of PoBC and author of the document, moderated the launch. Furthermore, Claudette Rutherford, one of the cofounders of PoBC and author gave an extensive presentation of the details of the document, sharing useful insights, practical knowledge and interesting information.

PoBC shared a pdf document subsequent to the launch, which provided additional details in a fifty-three-page package. It contained relevant, contextual and vital resources. PoBC’s Advocacy Team supported the document, which includes Charline Grant and Xavier McLaughin.

In the introduction to the document the mission of PoBC is to “Provide support to parents of Black children across Canada and the United States. We advocate and work towards change and concrete action in our education system and adjacent systems such child welfare and the justice system.”

The launch of this vital document is a culmination of all the advocacy and activist work that PoBC has been extensively involved in. It serves to remind members of the Black community that there are resources, tools and supports available to ensure that Black children are able to thrive academically, excel mentally and flourish intellectually in spaces that may not be welcoming to their presence.

The document states that the navigate guide is “Geared towards families in Ontario, but the information can be applied to any jurisdiction where there are Black children and families.”

The document “Table of Contents” is useful and helpful. There is vital information on:

  • School board terms you need to know
  • Education organization you need to know in Ontario
  • Black families and the Child Welfare System
  • Black families and the education system
  • Black students and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Black students in High School.
  • Developmental delays in learning exceptionalities
  • Supporting students with learning exceptionalities
  • Selecting a school system
  • System abuse

PoBC presented a webinar on “System Abuse”. The document states,

“The system is not neutral. These systems were designed as part of a colonial framework that must be dismantled.” Furthermore, the document “Serves as a means to demystify the pitfalls within the education system and light a path towards a decolonized education system.”

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Youth Development

Toronto prepares families for COVID-19 vaccination of children

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Photo by Charles Deluvio Library on Unsplash

BY PAUL JUNOR

There have been concerns, fears and anxieties as parents, caregivers and guardians anticipate the possibility of having their children under twelve vaccinated.

The Boston Globe reported on Friday, October 29th, 2021, that the FDA approved the administration of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of five to eleven. These children will receive one-third of the dose administered to teens and adults.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention met on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021, in order to finalize details with respect to which children should be vaccinated first. In anticipation of these developments, Team Toronto has initiated a series of outreach and education sessions, as well as town halls in order to inform the Toronto community.

Parents of children between the ages of five to eleven who attend public schools will be receiving an email and an invitation to respond to a survey to “Support vaccine planning.”  This invitation will also be extended to parents whose children attend private independent schools as well. The survey will be administered by Toronto Public Health (TPH) and the City of Toronto VaxTO in order to “Better understand parents’ intent to vaccinate their children, how they would prefer to have their children receive their COVID-19 vaccine, and to obtain critical information on socio-demographic factors such as race and income.”

John Tory, Mayor of Toronto, is optimistic and positive about this development. He states in the press release, “While our work to get 90% of eligible residents vaccinated is continuing, we are also readying for when the vaccine will be available to protect kids five to eleven. We want to hear from parents, so we made sure we designed a vaccination program that works for kids and their families. This is just one more example of the outreach we are doing to prepare for this effort. This work is so important and will help us get kids vaccinated so they have the best protection against COVID-19 and so our schools can be as safe and as open as possible.”

Councillor Joe Cressy, Chair of Toronto’s Board of Health who has been at the forefront of advocating for the vaccination of margnizalied and at-risk communities is supportive of this campaign. He states, “At every stage of our immunization campaign, connecting with people on the ground has been critical to our success. Now, as we prepare for the rollout of vaccines to children aged five to eleven, we’re committed to engaging directly with parents, families, and community leaders to have active conversations about vaccinations for kids.”

In addition, Dr Eileen De Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health is a strong proponent of this campaign. She states,” When vaccines are approved for use and when we have supply we will ensure that we bring every resource to bear on this critical component of the vaccination campaign.”

The survey will be available as of Sunday, November 7th, 2021. It consists of fifteen questions that will be available online at s.tphsurvey.chkmkt.com in multiple languages. Parents and guardians will receive them from their children’s public school boards. In addition, there will be town halls for specified multilingual communities as well as neighbourhood-based telephone halls to ensure that the public has access to timely, necessary and relevant information for informed decision-making.

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Youth Development

Act as if what you do makes a difference. IT DOES

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BY SABRINA S. – 12 YEARS OLD

The school year is coming to an end, I’m sure that this year was hectic for everyone. Last year, we had a pandemic strike in the middle of the year and the world was sent into lockdown.

We didn’t get to go to school for the rest of the year.

Many students got to choose if they wanted to do school in-person or online, I chose online since I didn’t feel safe.

First day of school was very weird, most people don’t turn their cameras on, don’t even get me started on the wifi issues. I would lag out of the google meet many times and miss most of the instructions on the assignment. That is when friends come in handy, though I don’t get to see my friends that often, we still connect with some online games and phone calls through snap chat.

I don’t know where the time went, it just flew by. Last month was September and suddenly, I feel like we skipped eight months. I only have a week of school left! Because it is the last week of school, I have a lot of homework and final assignments to do but I know I’ll get through them and finish the school year.

I haven’t had time to go outside as well, I’ve been too busy with my assignments.

If my school year was this hectic, imagine the teacher’s year. I’m very grateful for everything my teachers have done for me and my classmates this year, they definitely deserve the three-month summer break. I’m sure my teachers doubted teaching online, but everything went okay and I learned lots.

“No matter how hard it is, or how hard it gets. I’m going to make it!”

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