Sankofa Youth DropIn - Bowling Trip

For many of the youth this was the first time bowling. They picked up fast and had a great time. 

"I had a lot of fun. This was my first time bowling and I really enjoyed it. I like that with the DropIn program we get to try new activities." David

 Eina celebrating her strike

 Checking their scores

 Checking their phones

From left to right: Whitney, Brandon, Jackie, JP, Eina, Daryl, Shana. At the back: David.

YELP Inviting Conversations Around Environmental Action

Sep 18 was an action packed day for the Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP)'s volunteers and participants. 

We started our day at Open Streets Toronto.



We set up a selfie booth and invited people to talk about what they think environmental actions mean. Then, we invited them to write down their commitment to the environment and encouraged them to post their selfies on social media.

#OpenStreetsTO #yelp promoting environmental action! @CultureLinkTO pic.twitter.com/IM0wphKGWJ

— CultureLink Youth (@CLinkYouth) September 18, 2016

We took a lot of photos of those who stopped by our booth! Everyone had fun chatting and some also loved the idea of dressing up.

Next, we moved to Spadina Museum for City Cider, organised by Not Far From the Tree. This is an annual family-friendly event running for its sixth year. It celebrates the wonders of nature's offer of fruit and food and other delights, such as fresh made apple cider!

There, we got more people into the conversation. And of course, we took more photos and selfies!

We also gave out a list of upcoming environmental activities and events happening in Toronto! Thanks Nairy for putting that list together!

Thanks YELP leaders and volunteers for your dedication! Whitney (not in photo) and the following:

Ayesha

Daryl

Brandon

Eric

David

Ilya

Terri

And thanks Playing for Keeps for supporting the activity at Open Streets Toronto!

Click here to find out more about YELP!

CNE Trip and Bye Summer!

On Sep 1, we met up with other newcomer youth from For Youth Initiative for a trip to the Canadian National Exhibition.

What a great time we had at the CNE!

We were given a Scavenger Hunt challenge, where we had to race against time and the other teams to find items at the fair grounds and take photos of them. It was a great way for us to build team work with our group members, problem-solve, get to make friends, and get to know this annual Canadian tradition, that is the CNE. 

Eric, Levitt and Isamu trying to win a prize at one of the game stalls.

For some of us, this was our first time at the CNE. For others, it was the first time we got to play a meaningful game with other youth. We had to put our heads together and get creative to complete the tasks.

Eric, Daryl and Roldan strategising their game plan.

Amaniel, David and Brandon striking a pose in front of the rides!

There were so many exciting things to see at the CNE grounds. Performers, crafts made in Canada, farm animals, reptiles, buskers, rides, food trucks and so much more!

Can you believe that's a performer in costume?

We had fun! And we definitely look forward to more interesting activities with CultureLink's Sankofa Drop-In Thursday Program!

Potluck Picnic at Centre Island

To celebrate the start of the summer break, the youth of CultureLink's programs met up for a potluck picnic to Centre Island on Jun 30.

Youth of CultureLink at Centre Island

We met up at the subway station and headed for the ferry terminal. There was a huge line-up for tickets at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal Park, but we didn't waste any time at all. We got to know the youth from the other CultureLink programs through some interactive ice breaker games.



We were all hungry once we got to the island. Because it is a potluck picnic, everyone brought a little something to share with everyone else. Erica's home-made lasagna and brownies were worth special mention. They got snapped up within seconds, and they were delicious!

Erica (in red) and friends enjoying lunch

The weather was beautiful, and the lunch was delicious. We chilled out afterwards, and had the opportunity to get to know one another better.

CJ in cape

Roldan being in the limelight

Jose getting in touch with nature

After lunch, we played some games and then went to the beach for some water and sun.

Enjoying the beautiful sun and sand

CultureLink offers many opportunities for youth to socialise, grow, learn, experience new things and make friends. Check out our calendar for updates.



Thanks Playing for Keeps for supporting the event!

Kick off the Summer with a Potluck Picnic at Centre Island

March Break Jam - Craft Edition

It's March Break and that means TIME FOR FUN!

@CLinkYouths March Break Jam 4 #newcomeryouth. Well done to Lynda and Zarina. @CultureLinkTO pic.twitter.com/FEPY5fRi2J

— Amina (@AminaYassinO) March 17, 2016

So we hung out and got creative, and made some cute little boxes.

Hard at work!

Fun time with friends at @CultureLinkTO #MarchBreak Jam! Crafts with @p4keeps pic.twitter.com/Z7tYf7PhnZ

— CultureLink Youth (@CLinkYouth) March 17, 2016

What cute little boxes we made!

Til next time!