Joint Statement from Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion
Hamilton, Ontario – February 27, 2020: On February 18, 2020, senior staff and elected members from Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) met to discuss their partnership.
Mediated by the Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate, the organizations are pleased to share that they have agreed to a positive path forward for the benefit of black students in HWDSB schools.
HWDSB and HCCI acknowledge that both organizations are committed to working in the best interest of black youth in Hamilton. They also confirm a common understanding about how to move forward in the relationship.
The partners have agreed on guiding principles that include strengthening communications between the organizations, providing a forum for student voice, and adhering to an accountability framework.
As a result of this positive meeting, HWDSB and HCCI have reviewed their Memorandum of Understanding related to the Black Youth Mentorship Program. The program will continue as planned at Bernie Custis Secondary School on February 27, 2020, and is set to commence at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School in March, 2020.
HWDSB school administrators continue to work hard and are committed to addressing inequities through a lens of truth and reconciliation so healing, learning and better outcomes are achieved for students.
Together, HWDSB and HCCI will continue to support students in this program. There will be opportunities for enhanced communication as this program moves forward. The participating black youth will continue to participate in monthly mentorship sessions. The goal of the program is to support students as they develop leadership and life skills.
HWDSB and HCCI extend their appreciation to the Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate for mediating this positive development.
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| Contacts Shawn McKillop Manager, Communications and Community Engagement Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board 905-515-6227 | [email protected] |
Kojo Damptey Interim Executive Director Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion 905 297 4694 x 202 | [email protected] |
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.