2025 IDPAD Youth Grant
The City’s annual International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) Youth Grant is now complete for 2025. A total of $25,000 has been awarded to projects that support and empower youth of African descent with safe spaces, leadership and educational initiatives, cultural events and projects to foster confidence and combat systemic racism. This is the fourth year this grant has been offered.
If you have any questions, please email: IDPADgrants@victoria.ca.
Background
To address anti-black racism, City Council adopted the International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024. Established in fall 2021, the City’s IDPAD Advisory Committee supports the Decade’s three themes: recognition, justice and development.
2025 IDPAD Youth Grant Recipients
Five projects that celebrate and empower youth of African descent in Victoria have each been awarded $5,000.
| Project Title | Details | Organization/Applicant |
| Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program 2026 – “From Idea to Enterprise” | 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. | African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island |
| Black Presence and Placemaking through Mural Art (Black and Here Community Centre) | 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. | BC Black History Awareness Society |
| Building an Afrocentric School from the Ground Up | An initiative for a weekly, parent-led Afrocentric school for children, grounded in love, equity, freedom and care. | Crystal James |
| Swimming While Black | A program teaching swimming skills to youth and their families using an African-Canadian cultural lens to build confidence. | Dr. Devi Dee Mucina |
| Voices On Stage | 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. | Thembelihle Moyo |
