Below, we have organized all events into clear program categories for easy reference.
Youth Programs
Youth Violence & Human Trafficking Prevention Program (YVHTPP)
The Youth Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention Program (YVHTPP) is a community-based initiative designed to support at-risk youth aged 12–29 across Toronto. Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), the program focuses on violence prevention, mental health, and youth empowerment through education, creativity, and digital engagement.
YVHTPP works with youth facing complex challenges—including exposure to violence, homelessness, human trafficking risks, disengagement from education or employment, and social marginalization. Through culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches, the program creates safe, inclusive spaces where youth can build resilience, develop skills, and access meaningful support.
What We Do
- Youth Engagement & Development: Provide workshops and activities that promote mental wellness, safety, and life skills.
- Youth-Led Digital Platform (Suvat Blue): Empower youth to create content—videos, blogs, podcasts, and photography—to raise awareness on violence prevention and anti-trafficking.
- Human Trafficking Prevention: Deliver interactive sessions to help youth recognize risks and stay safe.
- Substance Use & Mental Health Support: Offer harm-reduction education and mental health literacy through expert-led workshops.
- Art Therapy & Storytelling: Use creative expression and lived experiences to support healing and amplify youth voices.
Impact
- Increased youth engagement in positive, pro-social activities
- Improved awareness of violence prevention and personal safety
- Strengthened mental health literacy and access to support
- Enhanced community partnerships and coordinated services
- Amplified youth voices through digital storytelling and peer education
Key Partners
- Harm Reduction Toronto
- Strides Toronto
- Mental Health & Wellness Practitioners (Psychotherapists, Social Workers, Art Therapists)
- Community Agencies & Service Providers (cross-referral and support network)
Uzima collaborates with a network of trusted community partners to deliver impactful youth programming. Through partnerships with Harm Reduction Toronto, youth receive tailored education on substance use, harm reduction, and mental health. In collaboration with Strides Toronto, the program delivers specialized human trafficking prevention workshops grounded in safety, awareness, and real-world scenarios. Uzima also works closely with psychotherapists, social workers, and art therapy practitioners to provide trauma-informed, creative wellness supports. These partnerships are further strengthened through ongoing collaboration with community agencies, enabling resource sharing, cross-referrals, and coordinated care for youth.
Our Approach
YVHTPP is grounded in collaboration and community. By working with trusted partners, mental health professionals, and youth leaders, the program delivers inclusive, relevant, and impactful services. We prioritize culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices to ensure that every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Career & Skill-Building Workshops
Ongoing youth development workshops that help participants build confidence, explore career paths, and gain practical skills such as public speaking and childcare experience. These sessions have been offered regularly throughout 2024–2025.
Youth Violence & Human Trafficking Prevention Program (YVHTPP) Video Gallery
This video gallery showcases highlights from Uzima’s Youth Violence and Human Trafficking Prevention Program (YVHTPP), featuring youth-led activities, workshops, and creative sessions. From art therapy and storytelling to prevention education, these videos capture the voices, experiences, and growth of participating youth while promoting awareness, resilience, and community connection.
Youth Wellness Workshop: Nature-Inspired Art Therapy
Youth Wellness Workshop: Nature-Inspired Art Therapy
In this wellness session, youth participated in a nature-based art ...
Art Therapy Workshop – Creativity, Healing & Connection
In this painting-based workshop, youth explore creativity while ...
Art Therapy Workshop – Expressing Emotions Through Art
This Art Therapy session focuses on painting as a powerful way for ...
PHAC Youth Mental Health Project (2025–2026 | Ongoing)
This PHAC-funded initiative supports Black youth affected by violence and trauma through culturally informed, trauma-aware mental health resources. The project strengthens digital supports through SUVAT, builds community partnerships, and expands access to culturally grounded care across Canada.
Elexicon Youth Mental Health Awareness Project
This project supports Black youth aged 12–29 in Durham Region by promoting culturally relevant mental health awareness. Through workshops, educational resources, and community outreach, the initiative encourages open conversations, reduces stigma, and strengthens access to supportive mental health resources.
Canada Service Corps Micro-Grants: Black Youth Empowerment for Community Development
Empowering Black Youth to Build Leadership, Resilience, and Community Connections
The Canada Service Corps (BYETCOM) initiative, running from April 2023 to March 2024, is dedicated to empowering 100 Black youth, ages 15–30, by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through engaging in pro-social activities, participants will develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and gain valuable life skills. The program offers up to $5,000 in funding for short-term service projects that strengthen youth resilience and contribute to community development. Keep an eye on our blog for updates on the inspiring projects led by these young changemakers!
Microgrant Project Video Gallery
The Black Youth Empowerment Towards Community Development (BYETCD) program, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is designed to empower 100 Black youth aged 15–30 by providing them with $5,000 micro-grants to create and implement innovative service projects. Through these projects, participants develop leadership skills, build professional networks, and gain life skills—all while positively impacting their communities. Led by Uzima in collaboration with the Kenyan Canadian Association (KCA) and other partners, the program offers mentorship, workshops, and opportunities for volunteering, fostering a sense of agency, self-efficacy, and community engagement. As youth plan and execute their own projects, they not only contribute to an inclusive Canada but also gain valuable experience for future careers. With a focus on inclusivity, skill development, and personal growth, BYETCD equips participants with the tools they need to thrive in their professional and personal lives.
Prime Sunday: Celebrating Rwandan Canadian Artists
Prime Sunday: Celebrating Rwandan Canadian Artists
Embark on a journey through "Prime Sunday," an extraordinary project ...
Empowering Young Minds: The Science Enrichment Program-Oluwatobi Agbede
Embark on a journey of knowledge and discovery with the Science ...
Black in STEM Resource Navigator Project- Akera Otto
Join us as we review the journey of Akera Otto's groundbreaking ...
Impactful Integration: The Immigrant Integration Project
Explore the transformative journey of the Immigrant Integration ...
B.Y.D Basketball Youth Development: Empowering Tomorrow's Athletes- Elijah Wallace
Experience the transformative power of sport with B.Y.D Basketball ...
ElevateDem: Empowering Excellence in the Black Community
Join us on a transformative journey of empowerment and excellence with ...
Empowering Black Youth Through Soccer: Abdelrahman Rashed's Impactful Project
Join us as we delve into Abdelrahman Rashed's transformative project, ...
Empowering Black Birthing Individuals: The Black Birth Project
Discover the impactful journey led by Cheyenne Scarlett in "The Black ...
Bridging the Gap: Two Heads Project for Equity in Post-Secondary Education-James Esemu
Explore the journey of James Esemu-Ezewu's impactful initiative, "Two ...
CANADA SUMMER JOBS June to August 2023
Uzima has been involved with hiring youth from Toronto and the GTA during the summer. They engage in all the programs running in the organization. In turn, they develop their academic and employment skills.
F.U.N PROGRAM
Training sessions to empower youth with skills in digital marketing, web development, and employment skills.
Professional mentors highlight the importance of documentation and communication between product marketers and product developers to better advance business and serve the target audience. The youth learned the principles for User Experience Designers, which are, to design for your users and not for yourself.
Also, the importance of copywriting for a business and its audience, branding and tone of voice, journey maps, which are activities that serve to better understand one’s audience, and opportunities through the users’ emotions.
The interview and resume skills presentation was about various topics, such as how to make a positive impression and sell yourself. The youth staff who participated in this program have continued to successfully grow their careers with other companies and organizations.
ENDED PROJECT
KINDRED PROJECT | August 2022 – July 2023
Empowering Black Youth Through Mental Health Support
The Kindred Project was dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of Black youth communities. Running from August 2022 to July 2023, the initiative offered a variety of opportunities, including workshops, mentorship programs, leadership development, and pro-social activities.
A core feature of the project was the formation of an advisory committee made up of selected Black youth, who played a vital role in leading and executing all project-related activities. At Uzima, youth advocates actively championed mental health awareness throughout the project’s duration.
Workshops and multimedia content were central tools used across the organization to educate and engage the community. Notably, the youth staff at Uzima led the development and management of the organization’s mental health social media campaigns, ensuring authentic and youth-driven communication.
Youth Testimonials Video Gallery
This video gallery highlights the voices and experiences of youth who have participated in Uzima’s programs. Through personal reflections and storytelling, youth share how engaging in workshops, creative sessions, and community initiatives has supported their growth, confidence, and well-being.
These testimonials reflect the impact of creating safe, inclusive spaces where youth can express themselves, build connections, and develop skills for their future. By amplifying youth voices, Uzima continues to foster empowerment, resilience, and meaningful community engagement.
Real Stories, Real Impact | Youth Experiences at Uzima
These testimonials highlight the impact of providing safe, inclusive spaces where youth feel heard, supported, and empowered to thrive.Show More