Malton Black Development Association (MBDA) has recently been awarded a grant from the Ministry of Education to promote the Black Excellence and Responsible Youth Leadership Program. 

The Black Excellence in Schools and Performing Arts program includes three (3) major components: counselling and advocacy, talent development, and the Youth Gallery/Exhibition.

The counselling and advocacy component will support with advice and representation (as requested). This will include advice (specific to the client’s scenario).  Areas of development may include mental health, life navigation, problem-solving, and academic navigation. Students may be referred for behavioural and/or developmental support.   Wrap-around support will also be provided.  Clients will be included in MBDA mentorship programs and other activities as necessary as well as warm referrals completed.

The talent development component will focus on a performing or creative art that a client excels in and provide coaching for development in that area.  These will take the form of regular group sessions and one-to-one coaching.  Cultural infusions will be included in these art forms and end products will be exhibited at MBDA’s Annual Youth Gallery.  In addition, small bursaries will be provided to purchase material/tools to support each participant’s craft. 

The Youth Gallery/Exhibition is the final component of this program.  Students will be involved in the planning and setup of the event as well as their work will be on display for positive affirmation.  The Youth Gallery will be in Summer 2022.