Youth Philanthropy Initiative Participation Inspires Skill-Building, Academic Excellence, and Civic Engagement.

During our recent Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), led by Eliza, Linden’s senior English teacher, Grade 9 students displayed exceptional courage, eloquence, and passion as they stood before Linden community members and YPI representatives to present their projects. Each team advocated for a charitable organization that addressed a cause that resonated deeply with the students. The most effective presenters, as decided by a judging panel of teachers and senior students, received $5,000 to donate to their charity.

While all students spoke with conviction about the profound impact of their chosen organization on the lives of those they serve, Téa and Sarah's well-researched presentation on Friends of Ruby earned them the donation for their charity. They emphasized the urgent need for the support and guidance provided by Friends of Ruby to 2SLGBQTIA+ youth through mental health services, social services, and housing. 

"Witnessing our students develop connections between the issues that matter to them and the possibilities of solutions fills me with hope and pride,” said Eliza. “Our students are indeed changemakers! They genuinely care for community members, inside and outside our school walls. They are beginning to develop relationships with real people, beyond our walls, to understand various social services across the GTA better, and to see how their voices matter. They were so supportive of each other as they developed their presentations! I could not be more proud of this class!"