IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Welcoming Communities will be operating in-person within TDSB’s schools in the coming school year.
Please note we are closed for the summer break.
Transitioning to a new country can be challenging for kids and youth. The Welcoming Communities program helps elementary, middle, and secondary school students feel engaged and at ease as they integrate into their new communities in Canada.
Welcoming Communities is a structured mentorship program that operates within TDSB schools – at no cost to students or the school.
Read about the impact that the Welcoming Communities program has had on students and school staff in Toronto. Or, watch the video below for a peek!
What schools and students can expect from Welcoming Communities
Here are a few examples of mentorship programming and activities that we provide schools – at no cost:
- Homework clubs
- English conversation circles
- Sports and recreational activities
- Table tennis lessons
- A Reading Buddy program
- Music instruction (Steel pan drum lessons, pan African drums, ukulele)
- Field trips
- Culturally based culinary program
“I learned leadership skills and confidence. I made many new friends, learned about others, and had a fun time. This program taught me life skills which I can use in many ways at home and at school and even when I grow up.” – Arna, an elementary school student who participated in Welcoming Communities
“Thank you so much Ms. Charlotte and Ms. Sofia for inspiring us to write these books... I am so grateful to have you in my life and you made my dreams come true cause I always wanted to write a book. Thank you for spending hours on us. You guys brought happiness to our lives." – Somia, who participated in the Welcoming Communities Creative Writing program
Bring Welcoming Communities to your school
We have witnessed amazing results and received positive feedback from students and school staff alike about our program. Please read about the impact of our programming on program participants and schools.
TDSB schools that have large populations of newcomer students can inquire about bringing Welcoming Communities to your schools! Contact us or fill in the form below to get more information about the program.
Update: As of July 2022, the Welcoming Communities program is closed for the summer and we are not accepting new schools. Interested schools can fill out our inquiry form later in August, leading up to the new school year in September 2022.