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Growing up in the child welfare system, my life was filled with uncertainties. I entered care at nine due to circumstances beyond my control, and from that moment, my path took a detour from the usual route. while I faced many challenges growing up – one of the biggest accessing higher education. I knew I wanted to continue my education, but it felt like an impossible dream.
Education: A Beacon of Hope in the Child Welfare System
Education has always been close to my heart, but for many youth from care, the barriers to achieving a post-secondary education are immense. When I think back to my journey, I realize how crucial education was in shaping who I am today. It wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about breaking a cycle of poverty and finding a path to stability and success.
In Ontario, only about 27% of youth from care pursue post-secondary education—half the rate of the general population. This is a stark reality, especially considering the financial burdens we face. The cost of attending a post-secondary institution in Canada is currently estimated at $35,000 per year, with 77% of that cost attributed to living expenses like rent, food, and transit. For youth who age out of care without family support, these expenses can be overwhelming.
I was fortunate to receive financial support from Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada through scholarships and bursaries. This support eased the financial stress and allowed me to focus on my studies. It also gave me the opportunity to build a social life and grow as a person. But the importance of this support goes beyond just covering costs—it was a lifeline that empowered me to succeed.
The Power of Mentorship and Community
Beyond financial support, the mentorship and guidance I received was game-changing. Being surrounded by mentors, professors, and peers who believed in me made all the difference. It’s why I now work as a research specialist and serve as a mentor in my community. I want to be that example for others—showing them that success is possible, no matter where you start.
As a young Black man, I’ve always been aware of the importance of representation. My achievements in education and my career are not just personal victories; they’re examples of Black excellence and resilience. I’m proud to be a role model, to show others that they can overcome the obstacles in their path and achieve greatness.
Focus on Education Report
I’m excited to share that Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada has released a Focus on Education report. This report sheds light on the challenges youth from care face in accessing post-secondary education and highlights some surprising statistics.
The report also includes insights from experts in the child welfare and education field, reinforcing that equitable access to post-secondary education is one of the most critical ways to help youth from care build meaningful careers, long-term stability, and a brighter future.
Since 1995, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s Post-Secondary Education program has provided $24.4 million in scholarships, bursaries, and graduation awards to over 8,000 students. This support is a key factor in helping students like me overcome financial barriers and pursue higher education, creating pathways to success.
Why Your Support Matters
To anyone considering donating to Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, I want to say this: Thank you. Your generosity doesn’t just provide financial aid—it changes lives. When you invest in the education of youth from care, you’re giving us the tools we need to succeed. You’re empowering us to break the cycle of poverty and build a future filled with possibilities.
The Foundation’s education programs and funds, including post-secondary scholarships, are supported by generous donors such as the Polar Foundation and the Sabourin Family Foundation, who have helped empower the future of youth over the last three years.
Education is more than just attending classes and earning a degree. It’s about learning how to navigate life, how to budget, and how to turn dreams into reality. Your support makes that possible, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Support Our Back-to-School Appeal
Many youth from care face significant challenges in accessing post-secondary education, often due to a lack of resources that help them succeed in school. Help Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada reach their goal of raising $10,000 to cover the cost of 200 backpacks for children and youth in and from child welfare as they head back to school by September 28. Just a $50 donation could help a student thrive by providing them with essential school items.
Looking Forward
As I continue my journey, I’m committed to using my experiences to help others. Education has been the catalyst for my success, and I want to ensure that other youth from care have the same opportunities. Together, with the support of donors, mentors, and organizations like Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, we can create a brighter future for all youth in care.
Thank you for believing in us and for investing in our futures.
