Bridging Divides: Inclusive Learning Models
In September 2006, SWB received a grant to develop an alternative inclusive learning model while engaging diverse youth in global education. This is a summary from their interim progress report submitted in July 2007.
- Overview
- Today's youth, especially those labeled "at-risk", need to be given an opportunity to find their own ways of understanding, and shown that they too have a role in building healthy learning communities.
- Engaged young people foster a society with a heightened social conscience.
- Furthermore, youth from marginalized communities need viable avenues to be civically engaged and have the opportunities and support to be active.
- Purpose
- BD connects a local and international set of young community leaders. SWB participants have the opportunity to study common local/global trends, grassroots movements, and relevant policy solutions.
- They have an opportunity to look at policy on a multi-layered scale, and explore the key dynamics between community and state.
- Objectives
- Key Milestones
- Since the start of the program, SWB has supported participants of the program and other youth-led organizations to raise close to $200,000 in funding.
- Youth in Power, which is a group committed to "keeping, building and sharing power in their communities" across Toronto Community Housing has experience consistent growth since three of the groups leaders started participating in Emerge.
- Groups like the Young Diplomats and Youth in Power have received significant grants to launch their projects and are now working on strategic plans to ensure consistent impact and sustainability.
- Moving Forward
- The pilot program for Emerge will conclude in December 2007 with participants drawing from both local and international experiences to craft and implement a full Emerge program for 25 youth for 53 straight weeks in 2008.
- Emerge will strengthen and formalize international partnerships with youth leaders in Brazil, Kenya and India for the 2008 program.
- Highlights
- 6 youth leaders from the Brazilian Young Leaders program will participate in a cultural and best-practice exchange in June 2007. The Toronto participants will then return to Brazil in August to complete the exchange.
BD has led to the piloting a Citywide Young Leaders Program called Emerge that engages young leaders, provides them with applicable training, equips them with tools/resources and follows through by providing committed and sustained support through peer and professional mentorship. The program works to address 4 key objectives by building:
1) Knowledge & Understanding: local challenges and global patterns;
2) Skills Development: Leadership Training, Case-studies, Soft and Hard Skills Training;
3) Real World Experience: Collaborative Project Management and Mentorship;
4) Judgment: Self-Reflection to Responsible International Community Development.
