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Trustee Ford Recognizes Student Leadership in Schools Across York West

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BY ALYSSA MAHADEO 

Leadership is defined as the ability to understand and utilize instinctive talent to inspire others and leverage their natural strengths to accomplish greatness. Over the years many great leaders have risen up, taken charge and done whatever it takes to make a positive change in the world to inspire a better tomorrow.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Trustee Tiffany Ford hosted the first-ever Trustee Ford Awards to honor twenty five student ambassadors from twenty two schools in the York West area. An admirable move made by Trustee Ford, it was well received by administration from the schools within the TDSB an especially proud moment for many parents to see these young developing minds recognized for their flourishing leadership qualities.

The Trustee Tiffany Ford Awards took place on Thursday May 12, 2016 at TDSB’s Headquarters 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto. It was a rare treat for students, parents and even teachers to gather at the headquarters, unifying them, bringing all of the students in the York West area together.

“Our kids deserve the best, this is something that has never been done before,” explains Trustee Ford proud to have been able to bring everyone in the area together that way.  “It wasn’t only an awards ceremony, but also about unifying the area; while all these schools are in the same area they are still pretty segregated and this ceremony held at the headquarters really brought everyone together.”

Hosting the awards for the York West schools was a very positive for the Jane and Finch area, breaking away from the negative stigmas that surround the area. In bringing them to a prestigious venue like the TDSB headquarters and presenting them with these esteemed awards, it really demonstrated to everyone how these students are only worth the best of the best. Growing up in the area, and being involved as an active member of the community, Trustee Ford is dedicated to listening, understanding and proactively looking for ways to resolve issues that need to be addressed and hosting these awards brings them one step closer to empowering youth, breaking barriers, overcoming stigma and raising the bar for the next generation.

The ceremony was hosted by MC’s Ebone and Jill Andrew, with performances by Aalyha Charles, JUST BGRAPHIC and Ubuntu Drum and Dance Theatre. TDBS’s Director John Malloy was also present to address the audience, along with York West Superintendents Jacqueline Spence and Mary Jane McNamara.

Twenty five students representing twenty two schools across York West were nominated to receive awards ranging from elementary to adult school. Students were chosen by school’s administrators for their leadership and role model status within the school and in the community.

York West schools are in the surrounding Jane Finch neighborhood, with students most marginalized and schools highest on the Learning Opportunity Index (LOI). The awards were created to celebrate students and bring unity among the schools, highlighting the successes in the community.

“There was no criteria to receive these awards,” explains Trustee Ford, “These awards were not based on academics; students were selected by their teachers and principals and a decision was made based on the person they felt best represented the school, a well-rounded student, who has a positive influence on the school environment, is kind and compassionate towards their peers and also hardworking.”

In addition to the Trustee Awards The African Heritage Educators Network awarded two bursaries in Trustee Tiffany Ford’s name. These students received the AHEN CO-CHAIR TIFFANY FORD AWARD, including a scholarship. The lucky recipients of those bursaries were: Leina Ali from Runnymede C.I. and Ambessa Saul from Scarborough Centre for Alternatives Studies.

Trustee Ford says that she would love to host these awards again next year, stating that is the first of its kind across the TDSB, and she received encouraging feedback from the Principals, Vice-Principals and teachers that were in attendance about how great it was to have something like these awards to bring the schools together celebrating education and raising the bar in the community.

“We expect them [the students] to continue being great leaders in school and also after school getting involved within the community because we need people like them who care and are willing to work hard to implement positive changes in society,” said Trustee Ford.

Leadership is about having a selfless heart and always being willing to reach out and lend a helping hand. Leadership should be the humble, authentic expression of your unique personality in pursuit of bettering whatever environment you are in.

Trustee Ford Awards 2016 Recipients:

Imani Reid – Firgrove Public School

Aisha Macala – Gosford Public School

Susan Tra – Brookview Middle School

Lily Phan – Lamberton Public School

Aruba Khan – Gracedale Public School

Isabelle Nguyen – Blacksmith Public School

Justin Chau – Chalkfarm Public School

Ananya Ray – Gulfstream Public School

Iris Repizo – Derrydown Public School

Jack Nguyen – Stanley Public School

Suzanna Dukharan – Driftwood Public School

Alexandria Mitchell – Shoreham Public Sports and Wellness Academy

Elizabeth Oguntala – Elia Middle School

Jessica Singh Narang – Daystorm Public School

Rhi-Onna Anese Carey – Humber Summit Middle School

Jessica Troung – Topcliff Public School

Lois El-Shaddai Obeng Yorkwoods Public School

Hassan Adenola – Emery Collegiate Institute

Sharumathy Krishnakumar – Emery Collegiate Institute

Kadiatu Barrie – Westview Centennial Secondary School

Diane Watterman – Westview Centennial Secondary School

Jessica Lam – C W Jefferys Collegiate Institute

Nuradin Mohammed-Nur – C W Jefferys Collegiate Institute

Sonia De Crisci – Emery Adult Learning Centre

Promise Chukwuka – Emery EdVance Secondary School

CONTRATULATIONS TO THE 2016 TRUSTEE FORD WINNERS!

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Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

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BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

  • United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
  • Unite Here! Local 75
  • Toronto & York Region Labour Council
  • Canadian Labour Congress
  • The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

  • Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
  • Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
  • Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
  • Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
  • Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

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What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

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BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

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Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.

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