History & Purpose
YAAACE was founded in 2007 to mitigate the polarization north and south of Finch in the Jane and Finch community. The goal was to create access to opportunities that would meet the needs of the community and mitigate systemic inequities. The colour purple was chosen for its symbolism for togetherness as when red and blue are mixed, you get purple. It was intended to bring youth from both sides of the community into a neutral space where they can access structured programs, learn, and grow together through culturally reflective services. Since 2007, YAAACE has expanded extensively to offer a range of new programs and services in academics, athletics, character education, experiential learning, employment, and violence prevention and intervention.
Our Foundation
"Africentricity is an orientation and approach of understanding and engaging reality from the centred perspective, interests of a person of African descent."
This affirming orientation is informed by collective and individual lived experiences, African derived culture, traditions, value systems and worldviews that are consistent with African and African-derived realities.
- Providing multiple programs
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The Methodology
From Vision to Action
Creating equitable access to opportunities, programs, and services is central to our mission. We amplify the narratives of African Canadian youth, families, and communities to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. This involves designing and delivering asset-based programs and services within the community that are inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive of diverse experiences.
Raising awareness about the strengths and challenges of African Canadian and equity-denied groups is a core aspect of our work. We strive to educate and inform our community and the broader public about the historical and contemporary issues that impact marginalized communities. We challenge stereotypes and biased narratives by amplifying contribution of African Canadians and promoting understanding, critical thinking, and empathy.
We advocate for meaningful, inclusive engagement through research and knowledge mobilization for systemic change to uphold the rights of African Canadians. This involves engaging in policy reform, partnering with other organizations, and empowering community members to voice their strengths and concerns. Our advocacy efforts are designed to address the root causes of injustice and promote long-term, sustainable solutions.
We hold ourselves, all levels of government, stakeholders, and institutions accountable to the highest standards of transparency and integrity. This means being open and honest about our goals, processes, and outcomes, and ensuring we are accountable to the feedback and needs of our community. Institutional accountability is key to building trust and maintaining effectiveness of our services.
We are dedicated to taking concrete steps to address the issues facing African Canadians and equity-denied communities. This includes implementing programs and services that are trauma-informed, culturally reflective, and strength-based to mitigate the opportunity gap and systemic barriers. Our commitment to action is about making a tangible, positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Our Core Pillars
Learning
Opportunities
Employment
Training
Community Safety
Family Support
Advocacy
Athletics
Wellness
Solidarity Statement
As an organization primarily made up of people of Afrikan descent, we offer this land recognition in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island in the efforts and deliberate intentions toward decolonization. We acknowledge the sacred land on which we work, known as Tkaronto and traditionally as Turtle Island, is the unceded and ancestral territories of the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee confederacy, the Mississauga's of the Credit River, the Wendat and many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. While Afrikans have always occupied these lands, many have come by choice, while many are here as a result of historical force therefore, we acknowledge we are all Treaty people.
Equity Statement
YAAACE advocates for creating access to opportunities, programs, and services that are culturally reflective of experiences of marginalized communities. We are committed to equitable treatment and elimination of discrimination in all its forms through our policies and practices.