Congratulations
to Amy, Hala and Mariam
the first students to win $5000 in support of a local grassroots charity, as part of the YPI Toskan Youth Philanthropy Initiative, which forms the core of the Grade 10 Civics Program. Armagh, a local women's shelter (and Peel's only second stage housing facility) was the recipient of
Amy's, Hala's and Mariam's outstanding advocacy work.
May 8, 2007

Here is a list just some of the charities our students have advocated for this year:

Armagh, Foodpath, LDA (Learning Disabilities Association), MAIL (Mississauga Association for Independent Living), A Child's Voice Foundation, Our Place, Life Centre, Birthright, Keep Safe Foundation, Angel Hair for Kids, Cruisers, Child's Voice Foundation, Charger Foundation, Brain Injury Association of Ontario, The DAM Youth Drop-in Centre, Support and Trusting, Advisory Services, Alpha Resources for Women, EcoSource, Eden Food Bank, Islamic Social Services, Bereaved Families of Ontario, Breakfast with Santa Foundation.

Youth Philanthropy Initiative

"In Grade 10, all students enrol in a compulsory half credit in Civics (CHV 20O). At Stephen Lewis, students have the unique opportunity to participate in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, as part of their second unit of study.

In collaboration with the Toskan Foundation, the Global Studies Dept. has constructed an exciting curriculum for youth who are interested in social justice, and who want to make a change in their local community. Students learn about the importance of grassroots charity work, and investigate why grassroots charities are needed more than ever in the year 2007. Students learn about charity finance and choose a local charity to advocate for. Students conduct a site visit, and spend 3 weeks developing a dynamic presentation. The winning group from each Civics class competes in May to decide who wins. And the prize? The winning group receives $5000, to donate to the charity they advocate for!! The money is generously provided by the Toskan Foundation, and is presented to the charity with a monstrous cheque!

Check out their website, and find out more for yourself about this incredible program. Every student is a winner, because they leave Civics knowing that they have made a difference in their local community by researching and advocating for a local charity. The Global Studies Dept. at Stephen Lewis Secondary School is the only school in Peel to establish a partnership with the Toskan Foundation.