Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre (CANTYD)

http://www.cantyd.org/

The initiative engages young Tamil women to overcome isolation and connect with their community through a drop-in and mentorship program at two high schools in Dorset Park.

The program provides 12 young women with a safe space to discuss culturally-sensitive, gender specific issues and challenges they face. The participants identify topics for workshops and a youth coordinator then facilitates dialogue within the group. Upon completion of the program, they mentor younger participants, and continue to get together during the summer months.

Selvy's Circle has been a particularly relevant program given the recent political crisis and youth violence in the Tamil community, as significant discussion has focused on helping the young women understand and deal with these issues. The girls have built strong relationships with each other and gained confidence in their abilities to advocate and express themselves.

Selvy's Circle will bring their knowledge in supporting newcomer and Tamil young women to the Young Women's Legacy Initiative.