Annual Report 2022-2023
Administration
At PTBI, we are dedicated to enhancing the abilities of young individuals through educational initiatives and leadership programs. Guided by our three-member board, we aspire to improve, empower, and inspire. Our dedication to achieving excellence is evident in our financial practices, where regular audits are conducted to ensure a thorough and transparent assessment of our financial well-being.. Audited statements have been prepared for 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 is currently being prepared.
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Major funders enable the implementation of our pragrams.
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FSIS - Canadian Women Fountation & Ontario Trilium Foundation
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Engaging Girls - Durham Community Foundation
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AIDE - Government of Canada
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Camp power to Be - Donors & Fundraising
AIDE
SCHOOL & cOMMUNITY OUTREACH
This initiative focuses on conducting extensive outreach efforts within the local community, targeting schools, organizations, libraries, and community centers to actively recruit between 84 to 90 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth participants. The primary goal is to engage these individuals in weekly program delivery and facilitate their participation in the upcoming AIDE conference scheduled for February 2024.
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In addition to engaging with the youth demographic, the initiative seeks to build collaborative partnerships with local businesses and organizations. The outreach efforts extend beyond the community-based recruitment to involve local enterprises, fostering relationships that can contribute to the success and sustainability of the program. This dual approach aims to create a robust network of support, ensuring the meaningful involvement of BIPOC youth in the program while establishing mutually beneficial connections with the broader community.
BIPOC PROGRAMS
We successfully administered several initiatives for our BIOC youths.
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Youth Social Book Club: We registered BIPOC youth for weekly sessions, emphasizing critical engagement with literature by BIPOC authors. It established a culturally safe space, facilitating the development of improved interpersonal and social skills, and enhanced reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active listening skills through the use of audiobooks. The program has contributed to the participants' enhanced mental wellness, confidence, and self-esteem.
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Youth Self-Discovery Program ("Finding You"): The program effectively enrolled BIPOC youth for weekly sessions, focusing on the development of a culturally safe space. Participants experienced an enhancement in knowledge related to educational and career pathways aligned with their interests and goals. The initiative contributed to improved goal-setting skills, heightened awareness of participants' goals and life vision, and the cultivation of enhanced social skills and connections. Additionally, the program played a crucial role in fostering participants' mental wellness, confidence, and self-esteem.
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Akeelah's Room Weekly Program for Black Girls: For this initiative, we registered girls for a weekly program focused on creating a culturally safe space for BIPOC girls. The program involved engaging in therapeutic activities and discussions related to mental wellness, fostering improved social skills and connections. Participants experienced enhanced mental wellness, confidence, and self-esteem by identifying and achieving goals, as well as through affirmations.
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AIDE Retreat: Fifteen BIPOC individuals were recruited for a weekend program at The Kingbridge Centre in King City, dedicated to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion workshops. Participants developed improved capacities to facilitate culturally safe discussions on mental wellness and racial trauma, gained enhanced knowledge of social and mental health challenges confronting BIPOC youth, and honed presentation skills. The program increased awareness of indigenous experiences with racism in Canada and anti-oppression practices, fostering enriched social connections among participants.
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Capacity-building training
Acknowledging the importance of deepening the understanding of anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion among staff and volunteers, a capacity-building session was organized. Notably, there was a visible enhancement in the youth engagement skills of both staff and volunteers. Staff members' ability to plan, develop, and execute weekly youth engagement programs improved, complemented by advancements in communication, facilitation, research, and critical thinking skills.
digitization of curriculum modules
Recognizing the importance of adaptability and accessibility in education, we have undertaken the task of digitizing modules within our curriculum. This initiative involves transforming traditional learning materials into digital formats, making them easily accessible to our learners and instructors. By embracing technology, we aim to enhance the overall learning experience, facilitate remote learning opportunities, and ensure the scalability of our educational programs. The digitization process includes incorporating multimedia elements, interactive assessments, and user-friendly interfaces to create an engaging and effective learning environment.
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curriculum development
Recognizing the importance of expertise in curriculum development and facilitation, we carefully selected a team of seasoned consultants and facilitators. These individuals brought a wealth of experience in mental health. Their diverse skill sets and industry knowledge positioned them as valuable contributors to the successful development of our FSIS curriculum.
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The collaborative process involved identifying key learning outcomes, creating engaging and relevant content, and incorporating innovative teaching methodologies. The consultants ensured that the curriculum met industry standards and addressed the evolving needs of our target audience.
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Simultaneously, facilitators focused on developing a comprehensive guide to empower instructors in delivering the curriculum effectively. The guide provided detailed session plans, instructional strategies, and assessment tools to maintain consistency across the program. This resource not only facilitated a smooth delivery of content but also served as a valuable reference for future cohorts and program iterations.
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Launch of First cohort
The culmination of these efforts resulted in the successful launch of the first cohort of our program. Facilitators seamlessly implemented the curriculum, leveraging the developed guide to ensure a cohesive and impactful learning experience. The initial cohort served as a pilot, allowing us to gather feedback for continuous improvement while establishing a strong foundation for the program's future success.
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Camp Power To Be
Camp Power to Be 2023 marked the revival of the international literacy and leadership initiative after the pandemic hiatus. Led by six volunteers, including the Service Learning Coordinator and Program Director, the 11th iteration of the program unfolded in Jamaica. The two-week literacy program commenced on July 10, 2023, at Mount Airy Primary and Infant School in Negril, Westmoreland, catering to 60 students aged 6-11.
Structured around literacy, numeracy, and art, students were grouped under local teachers and volunteers. Mornings focused on literacy and numeracy instruction, with volunteers providing personalized support. Afternoons featured engaging activities like arts and crafts, games, dancing, and sports.
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Students underwent pre-tests to assess reading levels, revealing varying proficiency at the beginning of the program, whilst post-diagnostic tests were administered at the program's conclusion. The results revealed increased reading levels, enhanced self-confidence, and improvements in reading, problem-solving, and comprehension. Teachers lauded the volunteers for their commitment, dedication, and ability to engage even challenging students. The impact was palpable, with one teacher noting, "Their enthusiasm and commitment shone through, making an indelible impact on all our students."
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Service Learning
The involvement of student volunteers at our literacy summer camp proved to be a pivotal factor in creating a vibrant and enriching educational experience for all participants. With their dedication, enthusiasm, and passion for education, the student volunteers played a crucial role in shaping a positive and supportive learning environment.
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Key Contributions of Student Volunteers:
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One-on-One Support: Student volunteers provided invaluable one-on-one support to camp participants, offering personalized assistance with reading, writing, and comprehension exercises. Their approachability and relatability fostered a sense of trust and camaraderie among the students, creating an environment conducive to learning.
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Engaging Activities and Workshops: The creativity and energy of student volunteers were harnessed to design and lead engaging activities and workshops. From interactive storytelling sessions to group reading circles, these activities were not only educational but also infused a sense of fun and excitement into the learning process.
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Peer Mentoring and Role Modeling: As young role models, student volunteers inspired camp participants by demonstrating the significance of literacy skills in their academic journeys. By sharing personal experiences and highlighting the impact of reading and writing in their lives, they motivated the students to view literacy as a powerful tool for personal and academic growth.
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Facilitation of Team Building: Student volunteers actively facilitated team-building activities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among camp participants. Through cooperative exercises and group projects, they encouraged teamwork and helped build positive social connections among the students.
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Assistance in Creative Projects: During creative writing workshops, student volunteers provided guidance and encouragement as participants worked on their projects. This collaborative approach not only enhanced the quality of the creative endeavors but also created a supportive space for expression and experimentation.
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Volunteers also visit and explore the town of Negril, a popular tourist destination, enjoy the local cuisine, and visit popular attractions.
Events
restore & renew
"Restore & Rene," a captivating fundraising event held at Centennial College Event Centre, unfolded as a heartwarming evening of connection and awareness. Hosted with the primary goal of rekindling relationships with donors and partners, the event seamlessly blended gratitude, inspiration, and program awareness.
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Attendees immersed themselves in the impactful programs offered by PTBI. Through interactive displays, testimonials, and engaging presentations, the event illuminated the transformative journey made possible by collective support. From education initiatives to community development, each program was spotlighted to raise awareness of their profound impact.
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Guests left with exclusive giveaways, including branded merchandise and informational materials about our programs. These tokens served as a tangible reminder of the evening's impact and the collective commitment to making a difference.
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OTF recognition event
In a gratifying celebration of philanthropy and community impact, a recognition event was held to honor the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) for their outstanding contribution to our charity. The virtual event was made even more special with the esteemed presence of the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Peter Bethlenfalvy, highlighting the significance of OTF's commitment to positive change.
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The event provided a platform to showcase the specific initiatives and projects that OTF's support has made possible. Through presentations, testimonials, and visual displays, attendees gained insights into the transformative nature of the foundation's contributions.
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TIFF
In an unexpected turn of events, a group of girls from our charity, originally slated to attend the TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) premiere of "The Woman King," missed the red carpet experience. Their resilience and positivity shone through as they were brought to a local cinema on the opening weekend of the highly anticipated film, turning the situation into a memorable and inclusive event.
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The alternative allowed them to enjoy "The Woman King" but also reinforced the spirit of empowerment and community support that lies at the core of our mission. This experience will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration for these young individuals as they continue their journey of growth and self-discovery.
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durham Black History Month Event
Our charity had the distinct honor of participating in the Region of Durham's Black History Month event, where we showcased our organization and highlighted the impactful programs we offer. This event served as a dynamic platform to engage with the community, share our mission, and celebrate the richness of Black history and culture.
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Our presence at the Region of Durham Black History Month event offered a valuable opportunity for community engagement. We interacted with attendees, fostering connections, and creating awareness about our charity's initiatives. A dedicated booth allowed us to showcase the various programs and initiatives our charity has undertaken. From educational initiatives to community development projects, we presented a comprehensive overview of the positive impact we've made.
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