A summer program tackles youth vulnerability

Time seems to fly by at Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (ehcw), and when school’s out in June, the day gets even more hectic. In addition to their regular programming, the organization becomes a social place for about 50 kids and youth in the Northwest Toronto communities to meet and learn with their peers. They draw, dance, sing, solve math problems and attend workshops to protect themselves against human trafficking. 

“As soon as summer comes, we are mindful that children could be out on the street in a very unsafe environment. We reach out to schools and ask them to talk to the parents. If they don’t know how to engage with their children [about youth vulnerability], send them here,” Sunder Singh, ehcw’s Executive Director, said. “So the youth are coming here summertime, every year.” 

For over 30 years, ehcw has been providing a sense of comfort and security for many refugees and newcomers to Canada, as well as seniors and women facing domestic violence. Community members in need can receive clothing and help for their settlement and employment needs, all free of charge. With food support from Second Harvest, ehcw also offers groceries to families in the community and refreshments to all participants in their programs.  

According to ehcw, children and youth are at an increased risk of human trafficking. Helping them gain awareness and communicate concerns with adults is particularly important, even more so for those whose parents are newcomers and refugees.  

The organization tailors its approach based on age groups with education on personal safety, stranger danger and how to recognize and report suspicious activities. For older participants, the program offers more intense training, including video presentations and discussions with law enforcement officers and survivors. 

Thanks to these activities, the local community was once alerted of a suspicious individual giving out candies to kids after a youth attending ehcw’s program noticed and reported the incident to the centre.  

“They don’t realize that they’re learning every day,” Singh said. “They’re taking something with them, and that becomes part of their skill assets.” 

Between learning activities, ehcw provides participants with fruits and vegetables as refreshments. They also have daily access to lunch packed by volunteers of Second Harvest’s Feeding Our Future program, which started in 2000 to bridge the nutrition gap from June to September.  

“The children love it,” Singh said, adding that egg salad sandwiches and roast beef sandwiches are their favourite.  

Without this support from Feeding Our Future, Singh said the organization would have to purchase ingredients and make the meals themselves to ensure that all are properly fed and can fully enjoy their time there.  

Participants in ehcw’s summer programs range from 10 years old to 20 years old, but despite the wide age gap, they all get along well, Singh said. The older kids take on a mentoring role, teaching science, English and math to the younger ones and inspiring them with their career and education plans. They’re also involved in sorting and distributing food hampers for ehcw’s community programs.  

“There’s a great sense of satisfaction among them.” Singh said.  

ehcw aims to instill a sense of responsibility in children and youth, encouraging them to take their education seriously and find purpose in their job if they’re of working age. The summer program is a critical part of this mission, providing a safe space for learning and growth. 

“Our message with the youth is to never sit idle,” Singh said.  

Feeding Our Future runs from July 2 to August 23 this year, providing lunches to 22 camps across Toronto.