VICTORIA, B.C. — Five projects that celebrate and empower youth of African descent in Victoria have each been awarded $5,000. This is the fourth year of the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) Youth Grant program.
“Victoria thrives when every young person can see themselves in the future of this city,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “Through the IDPAD funding, we are investing in projects that uplift youth of African descent and deliver benefits that ripple across our whole community.”
The IDPAD Youth Grant is a community-led grant program, created, supported and overseen by the City of Victoria’s IDPAD Advisory Committee. They selected these five projects for funding this year:
- A project that helps youth build businesses through a process of workshops, mentorship and showcases. Participants will gain entrepreneurial skills and connections with their community.
- A weekend mural art program, led by a local artist. The project supports creative expression in a new community centre for people of African descent.
- An initiative for a weekly, parent-led Afrocentric school for children, grounded in love, equity, freedom and care.
- A program teaching swimming skills to youth and their families using an African-Canadian cultural lens to build confidence.
- A six-month creative arts program offering training in storytelling, poetry and dance. A final public showcase will help youth build confidence and explore ways of self-expression, while creating community connections.
“The IDPAD Committee has created an opportunity for people of African descent to make a difference in our community,” said Caleb Isaac, Youth Member of Victoria’s IDPAD Committee. “The annual youth grant empowers and encourages our youth to thrive. We hope our IDPAD efforts continue to inspire other cities and governments to undertake this important work.”
For more information, visit victoria.ca/IDPAD.
Media Contacts:
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca
Caleb Isaac
Youth Member of Victoria’s IDPAD Committee
778.533.3784 | cisaac27@outlook.com