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Second LEGUP Symposium: Elevating generational mindset and expanding financial wealth

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BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an unforgettable day filled with motivational: speakers, inspirational presentations and influential discussions. It was an exciting, enriching and enjoyable day at the second LEGUP symposium on Friday, April 12th, 2024. The over 200 attendants present at the Marriott Downtown of Toronto Eaton Centre were treated to: insightful financial advice, impactful personal stories of resilience and success, and deeply engaging and interactive discussions.

David Griffiths-President and Founder of Brothers Who Care deserves high praise, genuine commendation and real acknowledgement for putting together not just an event, but a movement toward: financial, psychological and economic transformation of the Black community. The support of the volunteers and ambassadors paid off in the level of success.

The importance of each letter in the acronym LEGUP is vital in the aim of the symposium:

  • Learn money:

Foundational knowledge on currency and the role it plays in our society

  • Earn money:

Aspects of a pay cheque, multiple income sources, basic budgeting tips

  • Grow money:

Invest in real estate, pool funds and business, stocks, bonds and mutual funds

  • Utilize money:

Understand how money works, along with spending and advanced money management tips

  • Perceive money:

The psychology of money, stigma around debt and using it to build wealth

It was fitting that the theme chosen for the 2024 Symposium was “Hye Won Hye,” which translates to “That which does not burn.” The 2024 Symposium builds on the theme of 2023 Symposium, “He Who Does Not Know, Can Know.” The promo material states, “Wealth is about having the ability to do what you want, with whom you want, for as long as you want. It is all about HOW!”

The powerful Adinkra symbol was a fitting one. It represents toughness, imperishability, and endurance. This symbol serves as an inspiration to others to be tough in difficult times and endure hardships that may come.

The schedule of the symposium was divided into five chapters:

Chapter 1: Walk With Me: The Black Canadian Entrepreneurial Journey

The day started with the land acknowledgement (read by Michelle Linares) and opening remarks by David Griffiths and AL Ramsey of TD. Dr. Vibe moderated the ensuing discussion titled “Craving our Financial Future,” with Uncle Louis March. Uncle Louis is a well-known community advocate and activist and founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement. Uncle Lois spoke about the importance of self-determination and self-reliance as expounded by Marcus Garvey’s United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). He focused on the: significance of being the pilot of your own life, pursuing your goals and blowing up the box instead of thinking outside of it.

He states, “Understand that your wealth that you gained through education, learning, practice and failure are not only going to help you, but your family and community. People are going to tell you to think outside the box. Be careful when you use those things with me, because I will challenge you. Stop thinking outside the box. If you want to make a difference, blow up the box!  Are you ready for that? This is an opportunity to look at other possibilities and other opportunities.”

Chapter 2: Money Fitness Behind Wealth

This chapter focused on the importance of financial well-being which transcends having access to money but involves a healthy interaction with it. Participants learned about ways to creatively conceptualize money and practical strategies to improve their financial fitness. The speakers were: Alina Ali, Nuna Francisco and Ampai Thammachak.

The session on “A Healthy Relationship With Money” featured Latanya Housen, Regional Manager, Black Community Business Development of TD Bank Group and Jermaine Dacres, Financial Planner at TD Wealth. Their presentation on money management focused on three rules on budgeting: prioritizing your money, looking forward, adjusting and re-aligning. Having smart goals is key to creating a budget. Five steps were noted as important in this process and creative ways of improving your credit score.

There were three breakout session which are listed below:

  • Lead your money

This session focuses on strategies and ideas to invest money in different   investments.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset

This session focuses on the key components such as: Innovation techniques,       problem-solving strategies and fostering resilience.

  • Craft your identify to define your destiny

This session emphasizes the importance of developing and marketing your           personal brand in the highly competitive job world.

Chapter 3: LEGUP Roadmap to Wealth

There were three breakout sessions:

  • Overcoming adversity

Omar Wolf Allison shared stories of rising above setbacks through resilience and             faith.

  • The LEGUP Den Showcase

This was led by Abdel Ali, a VP and business owner. He showed participants        some of the best strategies to pitch transformational business ideas by sharing        success stories.

  • Building a power network

This session was led by Dionne England who focused on the importance of           visions, ambition, aspirations and ideas that can be utilized to build powerful    networks.

Chapter 4: The LEGUP Mental Health Hour

This session was moderated by Tychon Carter Newman (Motivator Speaker and Content Creator) and featured panelists: Anandie Talfie (Regional Retail Manager at Andrew Peller Limited. Inclusion Council Member. Advocate of Mental Wellness), Link Kabadyundi (Founder and Community Builder) and David Griffiths.

Chapter 5: The LEGUP Wealth Soiree:

The symposium wrapped up with a: motivational, inspirational and informational piece by Greg Birkitt. Burkitt is an educator and spoken word artist who left the audience spellbound by the way he connected financial wealth to psychological and emotional health. Jay Smooth (Toronto-based saxophonist and international performer) serenaded and entertained the crowd during dinner.

Al Ramsay, VP and Head 2SLGBTQ & Black Customer Segment at TD writes, “There is a strong connection between our financial security and overall health and with dedicated, empowered leadership and a focus on sustainable equity we will create an environment where individuals can collaborate and realize their full potential.”

The symposium also featured artist: metal sculptor Wayne Smile, multidisciplinary visual artist Chika OH, visual content producer Lance Freeman and fashion designer Narvern, and vendors: Afrika Designs, African Royalty, Ruqayya Ocid Perfumes and I AM Hair Zion Collection.

Nicolle Grant (TD Ready Commitment Ambassador) who volunteered at the symposium writes, “The many speakers and panelists did an incredible job of being authentic and sharing their:  wisdom, insight, and experience in managing health and wealth. Special shout out to Simone Jennifer Smith for leading the charge in helping to make the day a success.”

With a last name that means “Faithful and loyal,” it is no wonder that Paul Junor has become a welcomed addition to the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper Team. Since 1992, Paul has dedicated his life to become what you call a great teacher. Throughout the years, he has formed strong relationships with his students and continues to show them that he cares about them as people. Paul is a warm, accessible, enthusiastic and caring individual who not only makes himself available for his students, but for his community as well.

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Record entries for JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition

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Winner of the 2023 staging of the JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition ,Joel Miller, (third from left), shares a moment with representatives of the Jamaica Cultural |Development Commission (JCDC), organizers of the event. From left are Shaun Drysdale – Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist, Andrew Brodber – Director, Arts Development and Training and Executive Director, Lenford Salmon.

BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24th.

Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”

Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.

We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.

The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.

This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.

In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category.

In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.

The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.

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York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement

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BY PAUL JUNOR

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which administers the Grade 3, 6 and 9 assessments across Ontario and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), recently released the 2024 results. For many schools across the province, EQAO results are a snapshot of how students are doing compared to their peers in other schools at the same grade level.

The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has maintained a high level of consistency with respect to the outstanding performance of its students on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In a media release on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, details were revealed about the positive achievements and exemplary accomplishments of its students.

EQAO results were released on September 26th, 2024. The focus was, “Mathematics Achievement Remains an Area of Focus but Sees Gradual Growth Over Time with Some School Boards Showing Significant Increases; Literacy Achievement Remains High but Shows Some Decline.” The data was based on the 2023-2024 school year during which over 570,000 students wrote the EQAO assessments at the elementary and secondary levels on the English and French-language school systems.

For students who wrote the Grade 3 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 71% met the provincial standard in reading compared to 73% in 2022-2023, and 73% in 2021-2022.
  • 64% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 65% in 2022-2023 and 65% in 2021-2022.
  • 61% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 60% in 2022-2023 and 59% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 6 Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics:

  • 82% met the provincial standard in reading, compared to 84% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.
  • 80% met the provincial standard in writing, compared to 84% in 2022-2023, and 84% in 2021-2022.
  • 50% met the provincial standard in mathematics, compared to 50% in 2022-2023 and 47 % in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 9 Assessment in Mathematics:

  • 54% met the provincial standard, compared to 54% in 2022-2023 and 52% in 2021-2022.

For students who wrote the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):

  • 85% of first-time eligible students were successful, compared to 85% in 2022-23 and 82% in 2021-2022.
  • 52% of previously eligible students were successful in 2023-2024, compared to 63% in 2022-2023 and 85% in 2021-2022.

John De Faveri, Interim Director of Education of the YCDSB writes, “We are always looking for ways to provide a better school experience, but today is a time to celebrate our students and staff for their excellent academic achievement. I want to particularly highlight the incredible work that is being done in mathematics, which we see in these results. Mathematical literacy is such an important life skill and we are happy to share a love of numbers with our students.”

Results from the Grade 3, 6 and 9 EQAO Mathematics results show improvement in Mathematics compared to 2023. In addition, with respect to reading and writing results for Grade 6 there has been a consistent steady upward rise in the performance of students as 89% and 90% of students met or exceeded provincial standards when compared to the province’s average of 82% and 89%.

Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the Board of Trustees for YCDSB states, “EQAO results are just one of the ways we see how York Catholic is leading the province in educational achievement. As a Catholic learning community, we want to see every child succeed and EQAO results help us measure our progress toward that noble goal.”

Overall, the percentage of students who participated from YCDSB in Grade 3 and 6 EQAO were 97% and 98%, respectively. For Grade 9 Math assessment there were 93% of eligible students and 97% in the OSSLT.

Any parents or guardians interested in learning about the 2024 EQAO and OSSLT results and individual school results for their children can check the EQAO’s website: https://www.eqao.com/results/.

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York Catholic District School Board plans open house for future high school students

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Credits: Pch.Vector

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is: planning, preparation, and organization that parents, guardians and caregivers must make in York Region as they prepare their children for high school. For those who chose to send them to a high school at the Catholic board, there are open houses planned to make this process easier to navigate.

In a press release on Thursday, October 10th, 2024, details were revealed about these open houses. It notes, “The open houses will highlight key aspects of each school, including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. In addition, information about the registration process, including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enroll, will be discussed.

The media release mentioned the seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs. They include:

Advanced Placement

Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

English as a Second Language

(ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and education backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

French Immersion (FI)

Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion programs, or equivalent can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

High Performer Athlete (HPA)

An academic-based program for student-athletes participating in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, recognized in Canada and abroad.

Regional Arts (RAP)/Integrated Regional Arts Program(iRAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music, or vocal music- while obtaining their high school diploma. In the iRAP, students experience their learning through an integrated model where the curriculum is explored in relation to the interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

STREAM Program

Students explore real-world challenges and use the design thinking process to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, guided by the traditional Catholic social teachings. This academic program uses an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Manufacturing; or Non-Profit. Every YCDSB school offers a SHSM program.

Parents or guardians who live in York Region and are interested in any programs can check: Website: www.ycdsb.ca

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