Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI)
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Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is a proud partner of the Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI) which is an ethno-specific collaborative made up of 7 York and Toronto-based agencies working together to empower the educational and holistic success of Black youth in York and Toronto regions. YSSI will deliver a wrap-around program that best meets the needs of identified Black youth in the York Region and Toronto District School Boards.
Mental Health Education and Support
NACCAs vision is to focus on African positive identity formation/ Rites of passage as a foundation for mental wellness, and supporting children in developing a positive sense of self.
Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development take place in the brain.
The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development. Early negative experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces, such as exposure to violence, the mental illness of a parent or other caregiver, bullying and poverty, increase the risk of mental illness.
The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives.
Program starts March 21, 2022. Click the link below to register! Visit the program page here
Mental Health Education and Support
NACCAs vision is to focus on African positive identity formation/ Rites of passage as a foundation for mental wellness, and supporting children in developing a positive sense of self.
Childhood and adolescence are critical stages of life for mental health. This is a time when rapid growth and development take place in the brain.
The quality of the environment where children and adolescents grow up shapes their well-being and development. Early negative experiences in homes, schools, or digital spaces, such as exposure to violence, the mental illness of a parent or other caregiver, bullying and poverty, increase the risk of mental illness.
The consequences of not addressing mental health and psychosocial development for children and adolescents extend to adulthood and limit opportunities for leading fulfilling lives.
Program starts March 21, 2022. Click the link below to register! Visit the program page here
NACCA & First Canada Virtual Summer Camp!
With FTC SIM, students will navigate a virtual classroom with a virtual robot using block code. This exciting tool allows students to visually see what their robot is doing and make corrections in real-time.
This 3D virtual space is incredibly exciting and gets students pumped about robotics and coding. Space is limited, register now!
This 3D virtual space is incredibly exciting and gets students pumped about robotics and coding. Space is limited, register now!
This camp is geared towards students ages 12-16 who may be interested in future STEM endeavors!
During the FREE week long session, students will be provided with a robot kit that they will transform into their own fully operational robot by the end of the session that performs some basic tasks. Students will be able to drive and code these robots.
Session Date and Time:
August 9th to 13th
9 a.m. (ET) to 3:15 p.m. (ET)
What you will receive:
FREE robot ($1500 value)*
FREE live instruction for 5 full days
Access to free coding software
Where:
Camps will be held online and participants will need access to a computer with internet connection with the ability to run zoom. A zoom link will be provided via email as we get closer to camp start date. Space is limited, register now!
*Robots on loan and will be returned to FIRST Canada at the close of the Robotics program.
During the FREE week long session, students will be provided with a robot kit that they will transform into their own fully operational robot by the end of the session that performs some basic tasks. Students will be able to drive and code these robots.
Session Date and Time:
August 9th to 13th
9 a.m. (ET) to 3:15 p.m. (ET)
What you will receive:
FREE robot ($1500 value)*
FREE live instruction for 5 full days
Access to free coding software
Where:
Camps will be held online and participants will need access to a computer with internet connection with the ability to run zoom. A zoom link will be provided via email as we get closer to camp start date. Space is limited, register now!
*Robots on loan and will be returned to FIRST Canada at the close of the Robotics program.
Call for Artwork! (concluded)
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In recognition of Black History month the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is inviting youth in Grades 1 to 12 who self-identify as the people of African descent to submit artwork in any medium responding to the theme: “Standing on Strong Shoulders.”
The call for submissions closes on January 11th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. EST. This is an opportunity for Black youth in Newmarket and across the region to share and express their own individual stories for the community to see. Students can interpret the theme in any way they see fit; however, they must provide a brief description of the artwork and how it relates to the theme. The selected artworks will be featured in a virtual exhibit online from February 1st to 28th, 2021. The Town of Newmarket is partnering with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) to celebrate Black History Month during February 2021. |
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"We are a group of like-minded individuals who are committed to sharing and celebrating our stories, the stories that form the foundation of our collective history." - NACCA
Working closely in partnership with the Town of Newmarket to create culturally relevant and Black affirming spaces, NACCA is actively building a strong and integrated community where Black youth are connected to their past while firmly stepping into their future.
Black History Month 2021 theme – Standing on Strong Shoulders
Black History is intricately woven with the voices of bold Black men and women who have consistently resisted systemic injustices against Black bodies. These stalwarts have been internally driven to voice, not only the need for change, but have also been moved to create and become the change. Advocacy and resistance as a sustained historical and contemporary process requires generational reinforcement, mentorship and strong leadership in order to transform the lived experiences of Black people, not just in Canada, but throughout the diaspora. Black people have always engaged in the process of nurturing opportunities for people to take ownership in becoming self-sufficient, self-confident and self-supporting in social, political, economic and psychological domains. It is not unusual then, that the natural tendency is to go outside one’s self and advocate against whole systems of injustices.
We draw inspiration from Rosemary Brown, a Jamaican born Canadian Politician who observed that “we must open the door and we must see to it they remain open so that others can pass through” It is important, then, that we acknowledge the open door and hold it open for others who will later stand on our shoulders to build, empower and propel us into a more just future.
Submission Deadline: January 11th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
Cost: No fee for entry
Eligibility: All York Region elementary and secondary school students are eligible to apply. Each student can submit one (1) piece of artwork in any medium for consideration. We are open to any forms of art (e.g. photography, painting, sculpture, multimedia, video, etc.)
Submission Details: Submission to be made via email to nacca.vicechair@gmail.com with subject headline "Standing on Strong Shoulders" or in person on a USB after contacting Janis Luttrell at nacca.vicechair@gmail.com.
A JPG image of the proposed artwork AND a document (in WORD or PDF format) that includes the following information:
You will be contacted by Janis Luttrell regarding the virtual gallery and your work showing.
Any questions: Contact Janis Luttrell, Vice Chair nacca.vicechair@gmail.com
Working closely in partnership with the Town of Newmarket to create culturally relevant and Black affirming spaces, NACCA is actively building a strong and integrated community where Black youth are connected to their past while firmly stepping into their future.
Black History Month 2021 theme – Standing on Strong Shoulders
Black History is intricately woven with the voices of bold Black men and women who have consistently resisted systemic injustices against Black bodies. These stalwarts have been internally driven to voice, not only the need for change, but have also been moved to create and become the change. Advocacy and resistance as a sustained historical and contemporary process requires generational reinforcement, mentorship and strong leadership in order to transform the lived experiences of Black people, not just in Canada, but throughout the diaspora. Black people have always engaged in the process of nurturing opportunities for people to take ownership in becoming self-sufficient, self-confident and self-supporting in social, political, economic and psychological domains. It is not unusual then, that the natural tendency is to go outside one’s self and advocate against whole systems of injustices.
We draw inspiration from Rosemary Brown, a Jamaican born Canadian Politician who observed that “we must open the door and we must see to it they remain open so that others can pass through” It is important, then, that we acknowledge the open door and hold it open for others who will later stand on our shoulders to build, empower and propel us into a more just future.
Submission Deadline: January 11th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. EST.
Cost: No fee for entry
Eligibility: All York Region elementary and secondary school students are eligible to apply. Each student can submit one (1) piece of artwork in any medium for consideration. We are open to any forms of art (e.g. photography, painting, sculpture, multimedia, video, etc.)
Submission Details: Submission to be made via email to nacca.vicechair@gmail.com with subject headline "Standing on Strong Shoulders" or in person on a USB after contacting Janis Luttrell at nacca.vicechair@gmail.com.
A JPG image of the proposed artwork AND a document (in WORD or PDF format) that includes the following information:
- Artist name
- Title of artwork
- Year of creation
- Medium
- Dimensions (length, width, height)
- Brief explanation about the artwork and how it relates to the theme
- Full contact information (full name, phone number or email) * For students under the age of 18 years, parental guardian contact information is required to enter.
- Name of school currently attending
You will be contacted by Janis Luttrell regarding the virtual gallery and your work showing.
Any questions: Contact Janis Luttrell, Vice Chair nacca.vicechair@gmail.com
Thank you to our Sponsors
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Djembe Drumming
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What is a Djembe Drum?
The djembe drum is a rope-tuned, skin-covered, and goblet-shaped drum played with your bare hands. The head of the drum is traditionally made from goatskin, which provides the drum with a piercing high-pitched tone and slap sounds. Three main sounds that can be played on a djembe are bass, tone, and slap. The bass sound (low-pitched) is achieved by striking the drum in the middle of the skin with a heavy hand. The tone (medium-pitched) is played with the hand on the edge of the skin, using the wrist as well as the arm to propel the hand towards the drum. The slap (high-pitched) is technically the hardest stroke to achieve. There are many types of slap, all of which are played near the edge.
he djembe is West Africa’s best known instrument. The countries where it gets played the most are Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. The name of the djembe came from the Bamana in Mali, who said “Anke dje, anke be” to call their people together. People play the djembe on different occasions; such as weddings, celebrations, dancing, or even just coming together. It’s different tribes and people who play the djembe. The drum belongs to the membranophone class of instruments in the percussion family. The djembe drum is about 400-800 years old and was created during the Malian Empire by the Mandé people.
Today, it is played throughout the world. It has traveled across the ocean to Europe, South and North America. The Djembe is truly a global instrument. The Djembe has been a fundamental part of spiritual and ritualistic life in West Africa for many generations. (Source: https://blackmusicscholar.com/djembe-drum/) -
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Change to Event: NACCA - Youth Volunteer Cleanup Day Contest
Youth Volunteer Cleanup Day Contest!
When
Sep 19, 2020, 12:00 AM - Sep 19, 2020, 11:59 PM EDT
Join us on September 19 to support the efforts of #WorldCleanupDay. You are welcome to volunteer at any time during the day!
Where
Feel free to select your own clean up location. Whether it is a park, local trail, or your own neighbourhood.
Contact
If you would like to obtain cleanup kits, contact Matthew at naccayouths@gmail.com and we will deliver them to you!
Eligibility Requirements:
1) Must be a resident of Newmarket, Aurora or East Gwillimbury
2) Must be between 5-25 years old
3) Must actually cleanup!
4) Must submit 2 photos of your cleanup story with a description and the locations of where you cleaned up
5) Must give NACCA permission to share your photos
6) Must pass a skill testing question (math or vocabulary).
About this Volunteer Opportunity
Whether you head out solo, as a family, or a small physically-distanced team, this is a safe and simple opportunity to make a difference. Tackle trash on your local trails, sweep up your street or pick-up in the neighbourhood park.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
· Follow instructions from Government and Health Organizations
· If you see sharp or large items, please contact your municipality to collect them
· Be sure to know how and where to dispose the collected waste once cleanup is done
· You can volunteer at anytime in any area, even in your own neighborhood
· Bring family & friends. The more, the better!
· Don’t forget to track your hours! Every hour counts towards your high school volunteer hours
· We encourage you to wear your NACCA T shirt or NACCA hoodie, or wear yellow or black if you don’t have one.
· Take photos! We are awarding 3 prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of $150, $100 and $50 respectively to see who can clean up the largest areas in their local neighbourhoods.
· Bring your supplies: mask, gloves, garbage/recycling bags, hand sanitizer, water bottle
If you are in Newmarket, drop off your garbage bags at the Ray Twinney Recreational Complex (signage will note exact location).
Submission:
Please submit your entry (one entry per family) to
nacca.community@gmail.com by Sunday September 20th at 12 noon. Winners will be announced on Wednesday September 23rd!
When
Sep 19, 2020, 12:00 AM - Sep 19, 2020, 11:59 PM EDT
Join us on September 19 to support the efforts of #WorldCleanupDay. You are welcome to volunteer at any time during the day!
Where
Feel free to select your own clean up location. Whether it is a park, local trail, or your own neighbourhood.
Contact
If you would like to obtain cleanup kits, contact Matthew at naccayouths@gmail.com and we will deliver them to you!
Eligibility Requirements:
1) Must be a resident of Newmarket, Aurora or East Gwillimbury
2) Must be between 5-25 years old
3) Must actually cleanup!
4) Must submit 2 photos of your cleanup story with a description and the locations of where you cleaned up
5) Must give NACCA permission to share your photos
6) Must pass a skill testing question (math or vocabulary).
About this Volunteer Opportunity
Whether you head out solo, as a family, or a small physically-distanced team, this is a safe and simple opportunity to make a difference. Tackle trash on your local trails, sweep up your street or pick-up in the neighbourhood park.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
· Follow instructions from Government and Health Organizations
· If you see sharp or large items, please contact your municipality to collect them
· Be sure to know how and where to dispose the collected waste once cleanup is done
· You can volunteer at anytime in any area, even in your own neighborhood
· Bring family & friends. The more, the better!
· Don’t forget to track your hours! Every hour counts towards your high school volunteer hours
· We encourage you to wear your NACCA T shirt or NACCA hoodie, or wear yellow or black if you don’t have one.
· Take photos! We are awarding 3 prizes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes of $150, $100 and $50 respectively to see who can clean up the largest areas in their local neighbourhoods.
· Bring your supplies: mask, gloves, garbage/recycling bags, hand sanitizer, water bottle
If you are in Newmarket, drop off your garbage bags at the Ray Twinney Recreational Complex (signage will note exact location).
Submission:
Please submit your entry (one entry per family) to
nacca.community@gmail.com by Sunday September 20th at 12 noon. Winners will be announced on Wednesday September 23rd!
And the winner is Team Christie!
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