Black students in Toronto have among the lowest graduation rates as student apathy runs high, according to the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The reasons for this are both complex and varied but in part due to a flawed school system that fails to address the needs of some its most vulnerable students.

Graphic designer Natasha Vassell reflects on her time working abroad and shares the valuable lessons she learned along the way.

Toronto will have a second Africentric school as early as next fall after trustees voted in favour of the controversial initiative.

The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) is looking to the future with its upcoming events. But according to president Pauline Christian, it’s only a natural progression. “One of the major thrusts of the BBPA’s vision is to start creating generational wealth and infuse the importance of leaving a legacy behind in our DNA, so future generations do not have to start from zero,” says Christian.

In a country where education is considered a basic human right, it is shocking that 42 per cent of Canadians are semi-illiterate. The life-threatening repercussions of illiteracy can’t be ignored: 15 per cent of Canadians can’t understand the instructions on an aspirin bottle and almost 30 per cent can’t decipher basic warnings for hazardous materials.

Graphic designer Natasha Vassell shares part 2 of her experience working abroad. “The things I took for granted, I would never take for granted again. Germany showed me how lucky and fortunate I am to have the quality of education that I have.”

At the height of the Black Power movement, a group of parents took control of their children’s education, organizing a program with a vision to provide black children with the opportunity to learn about their heritage in a positive and family-supported environment.

The sheer notion of picking up and leaving Canada to work in Europe is a mere dream for some. However, the government is now making this dream a reality for many young Canadians through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

Instead of locking the N-Word in the past, English teacher Greg Birkett is using it to engage his students so they can learn more about the word, and themselves.

“Our main goal: get them something that they like, bring them in, show them the professionalism behind it, teach them skills for six months and make them work ready.”