This summer, as part of the Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP), five 污污漫画 Junior Leaders were placed at (BCCF). The Black Student Summer Leadership Program provides Black students Grades 10-12 with experiential learning opportunities within a variety of career fields in which Black professionals are often underrepresented. The aim is to introduce students to a range of academic and career pathways and enhance their future employability.
Caption: From left to right standing are students Judah, Rajay and Jayshawn. Seated are Philip and Kanye.
Black Creek Community Farm is focused on improving food security, reducing social isolation, and improving employment and educational outcomes. BCCF also offers a range of community programming for people of all ages. The BSSLP Junior Leaders participated in a variety of activities while working at BCCF including engaging in marketing activities to promote the farm festival. Students learned how to care for different fruits and vegetables by planting a variety of seeds, fertilizing plants and removing weeds. They also harvested lettuce, garlic, tomatoes, cucumbers, kiwi and kale and gained experience in how to cook.
The Junior Leaders were asked what transferable skills they gained while working at the farm, Jayshawn, a Gr. 10 student from Westview Centennial Secondary School said communication, teamwork and patience were the transferable skills he learned. For Judah, a new graduate from C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute, he said discipline and staying on task. “Discipline. I have to come to work on time, do certain tasks that I am not used to doing and I am getting paid to work so I want to do it properly,” said Judah. He adds, “I like being able to use my hands…what I do at the farm could be my own trade. If I wanted to do a trade in the future, I feel like the experience here would definitely help me.”
Caption: Picture of Jayshawn sitting in front of planted lettuce
Rajay, a Grade 10 student from Westview Centennial Secondary School, describes his experience as, “It has been pretty good. I enjoy working at the farm and learning things I didn’t know before.” He added, “My experience has been good with BSSLP too. I enjoy where they placed me and it is a good program for Black students to get summer jobs, and better than just staying at home or going outside.”
Caption: Picture of Rajay
For future BSSLP participants, Judah leaves us with the following advice. “If you are going to work at the farm, take it seriously, do every task and try not to complain, it is good work and experience. You get to learn a lot about plants and harvesting. I am thankful to get a job and stay busy. At the start of BSSLP they put you in groups to come up with goals and I think I have achieved some of the goals for myself.”
Caption: Picture of Judah holding his favourite vegetable.
The Black Student Summer Leadership Program runs annually and accepts applications each January from eligible 污污漫画 students. The program is run by the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement with the support of 污污漫画 Research and Development Department, 污污漫画 Continuing Education and Focus on Youth.