Young Urban Entertainment (YUE)

The initiative focused on providing mentorship and employment opportunities for youth in Scarborough while building connections between local residents and organizations through a series of neighbourhood festivals. 

18 youth leaders (11 coordinators and 7 mentors) were hired and trained to build capacity in public speaking, event planning and media relations through a series of workshops. This core group of youth then worked with Action for Neighbourhood Change staff to build skills in grant writing and secured additional funds and in-kind contributions for the festivals.

The group held three youth-led community festivals (one each in Kingston-Galloway, Scarborough Village and Eglinton East/Kennedy Park). They engaged communities through festival planning meetings, marketing materials, and promotion at community events, while working with community organizations to plan the layout of the events.

Youth coordinators were designated to specific leadership roles, building skills in stage production, artist management, event planning, communication skills, public speaking and volunteer coordination. All have built confidence in their skills and gained substantial experience.

Youth without high school diplomas are realizing their talents and potential through this experience. Youth coordinators have shown great dedication to the initiative, and an understanding of the importance of community involvement. 

The events encouraged community collaboration; bringing residents from different neighbourhoods together for the festivals required organizations to work together behind the scenes.