Laidlaw Foundation

AHEN-TBEN represents students, educators, and parents of African heritage through policy, staffing, programming, and culturally appropriate learning. Its executive team and youth leaders are volunteers, each dedicated to serving their community and assisting with closing the gaps faced by Black families and educators within the school system. When... Ontarios spring break went virtual in April 2021, the AHEN-TBEN team quickly mobilized to create an interactive online program to support families, especially those underserved, across the Greater Toronto Area. As part of the spring break exploration program, elementary school students from 37 families tuned in for a fun-filled, intentional-planned agenda. They virtually visited Barbados and learned how the ashes from a recently erupted volcano on the island of Saint Vincent had affected the Caribbean country; travelled to Jamaica for a math lesson; and heard an oral storyteller share a tale about Anansi, a well-known character in West African folklore. The cultural connections were meaningful as students lived experiences are not always reflected in lessons or only done at specific times of the year, explains Madeline Bussue, AHEN-TBENs social rep. Teachers Simone Crooks-Mckenzie, Donminique Taitt, Jenessa Palmer-Simms, Kevin Watson, Heather Mark, and Kojo Mayne ensured the lessons were culturally responsive. The spring break program was a hit with familiesand, pending funding, may continue as a summer program. With support from Laidlaw Foundation, the virtual spring break was one of several online events recently hosted by AHEN-TBEN. The team also held an empowerment conference for educators, support staff, and school leadership; a Black history emphasis celebration; and a family-friendly event centred around mental health and well-being. Each event created an important sharing platform for students and adults alike. Jenessa Palmer-Simms, AHEN-TBENs treasurer, recalls the story of a 14-year-old girl who described a teacher that was ignoring her in class. [Our ...Read More