Workshop spreads awareness about at-risk youth
A recent seminar about at-risk youth was well received by students who’s future careers involve social work.
The event featured Jabari Lindsay, coordinator of Breaking the Cycle, a workshop that trains at-risk youth in Scarborough and Malvern with employable skills to get them off the streets and into the workforce. It took place on Feb. 12 at the Progress Student Centre.
Yasmin Razack, manager of equity education, says the event was a success.
“All the students said it was excellent,” Razack said. “They feel as though Centennial should continue to host events that raise awareness on issues of social justice and diversity.”
Lindsay spoke to students in police foundations, youth justice services and other social work programs about some of the obstacles social workers face.
“A large percentage of us are burnt-out and tired,” Lindsay said.
“Sometimes when another guy dies, especially in the media, it feels like I should have done more, but there’s nothing really you could have done, and a lot of social workers forget that.”
Lindsay talked to students about some of the factors that lead at-risk youth to get involved with gangs and crime. He challenged many assumptions that are perpetuated about at-risk youth.
He said that often, at-risk youth turn to gangs because they feel alone. For Lindsay, a crucial part of being a social worker is simply showing the youth that someone cares.
“I’m an advocate for young males and females that society doesn’t care about, because once upon a time I felt that way,” Lindsay said.
“I had a cousin that reached out to me when I needed someone to be there,” he said. “If he wasn’t, I probably would have fallen through a lot of the same cracks that my kids did.”
Some students, such as Courtney Sandhy, said the seminar made her look at the issue from a different perspective.
“This presentation was helpful to me as a student because it allowed me to understand as a child and youth worker that we need to be aware of our assumptions and what barriers it can cause working with youth,” Sandhy said.
“I used to think all youth in gangs chose this lifestyle… Now I know that was an assumption.”
