OUR APPROACH
We work hard to foster the intrinsic motivation of Black, African Young people and others who relate to learn and grow. We believe that relevance and interest are key when engaging with racialized identities and we create spaces and opportunities where they are valued just as they are. We provide one on one life skills counselling, recreational and educational programs and activities that are reflective and motivate positive identity development and increase self-esteem. We develop networks and training opportunities to facilitate opportunity provision, accessibility and mobility in the social service sector - particularly among local grassroots workers and organizations who serve black and african youth. We promote social entrepreneurism through innovative fundraising events and initiatives to increase self-sustainability among black/african communities.
OUR MISSION
As a non-profit agency Harriet Tubman Community Organization is dedicated to building meaningful and developmental relationships with young people, experiencing racialization between the ages of ages of 8 – 25 years old. Using Harriet Tubman’s collaborative model, we partner with diverse institutions, organizations, community groups and individual allies to establish a ‘railroad’ network of resource to keep Black (African) young people and others who relate engaged in positive activities. We provide strength-based, youth centered and culturally relevant programs that foster identity development, life skills and education.
Our mission is to deliver meaningful youth-centered, sustainable, educational, culturally relevant programs and initiatives.
Believing in Young Black Brilliance!
OUR VALUES
Harriet’s legacy • Cultural Heritage • Accessibility • Lived Experience • Freedom
HISTORY OF ORGANIZATION
Harriet Tubman Community Organization (H.T.C.O) was founded in 1972 to provide African Canadian youth with a sense of belonging and connection to their heritage. It developed into a multi-service centre, providing innovative educational and culturally relevant youth development programs; arts based and a unique heritage counselling model. HTCO achieved a 90% success rate of African Canadian young people entering academic schools, instead of being streamed into vocational schools. The organization continues to use the heritage model in its programming and advocacy initiatives.