Desta Black Youth Network

DESTA is an outreach initiative to young adults (18-25) within the black community. Our mission is to:

• mentor marginalized youth in the areas of education, employment, and personal growth
• guide each individual in the actualization of positive potential
• offer intervention and advocacy support
• empower vision, strengthen authentic identity, and promote excellence

In 2006, several community workers came together to discuss the needs of marginal black youth. A year later, the Padua Center received a seed grant from Human Resources Canada and launched a pilot project in partnership with several community-based organizations. Twelve youths participated in this six-month employment-focused initiative. The pilot project came to an end, but the needs of the youth did not. To continue this vital work with disadvantaged young adults, the DESTA Black Youth Network was born.

Our mentoring outreach has developed through referrals from community organizations and agencies, through word of mouth and peer influence, and through street outreach. Many of our youth are socially, emotionally & economically disadvantaged. Many are unemployed and under-educated. Despite the challenges faced, they are keen to live productive lives. The DESTA outreach exists to befriend marginal youth who need a helping hand. DESTA, derived from the Amharic language, means ‘happiness’

Local

DESTA is an outreach initiative to young adults (18-25). Within the black community in the Montreal area.

• Established: 2006

not provided

Desta is an outreach initiative to young adults (18-25), within the black community. Our mission is to:

• mentor marginalized youth in the areas of education, employment, and personal growth
• guide each individual in the actualization of positive potential
• offer intervention and advocacy support
• empower vision, strengthen authentic identity, and promote excellence

Personal Development:

• Self-Awareness
• Healthy Lifestyles

DESTA supports integral growth through nurturing physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Our effort is to prevent violence, substance abuse and criminal behaviour. Through advocacy within schools, the justice system, social services and families, we mentor those who are marginalized in their adaptation to social reality. Our overall aim is to shape lifestyles that lead to genuine wellness.

Continued Learning:

• Distance Education / Tutorial
• Education Fund

Two programs support continued learning. In partnership with the Eastern Townships School Board, DESTA offers a distance education and tutorial program to enable individuals to complete their high school education. There is also an Education Fund that provides bursaries for CEGEP and university studies, trade programs, workshops and specialized certifications.

Employability:

• Job Bank
• Skills-Building

DESTA’s employment training program focuses on building skills which foster employability. Participants are guided through the employment acquisition process (CV preparation, interview skills, job market culture). Once employment is acquired, employers and DESTA partner to orient and integrate participants into their new jobs

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