I find their [Community Builders’] mandate to be genuine, relevant and purposeful. The team always deliver the challenging messages with such dignity and empathy that everyone benefits and leaves better than they came. It is always a pleasure to have their leadership and support impact our learning space.

Lamberton Public School, Jane Finch neighbourhood, Toronto

There is a lot of racism that goes around in our world. I see a lot of kids getting teased because of their colour or culture. In Community Builders I’ve learned how to help resolve these problems. I feel I can take action and help those people who got teased. I have been in the situation of my culture being teased and I believe that I can now make a difference.

Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation

I have found the cross-generational programs they [Community Builders] have run to be a truly inspiring experience, where I have seen 10 and 11-year-olds leading deep discussions and providing insights into the often unheard perspective on equity issues.

Guildwood Public School, Scarborough

We’re all noticing things more, not just sitting there and letting things happen.

Eastview Public School, Scarborough

I have witnessed the enthusiasm of parents that have been involved in Community Builders Cross-generational programs. The initiative they take, and their confidence that they can be important partners with the schools, is the sort of involvement that we are encouraging in our schools.

Toronto District School Board

While schools do bring in [prominent adults] to talk about social issues, these presentations often lack interactivity and practicality. What CB offers is an opportunity to practice empathy by listening in order to understand other perspectives, in a practical workshop.

George B Little Public School, Scarborough

It’s good to combine all our information and how people react to different things. For example, maybe some people are good at listening but not necessarily communicating, so we exchange information on how we can listen and communicate.  If a different school has a different skill, then they can exchange information about that.  If we come together to talk about what we’ve been seeing, then we can solve it on a bigger scale.

Joseph Brant Public School, Scarborough

I think the impact in the schools in our community is huge, giving us tools to solve day-to-day life-related situations.

Joseph Brant Public School, Scarborough

We learned a lot from two days of learning how to be a leader at the Symposium.  Doing the skits taught us how people are thinking when they’re being bullies, and how to address the problem.

Eastview Public School, Scarborough

I saw a change in my son [from attending Community Builders]. He was involved, in control, and felt empowered. The issues Community Builders raises are relatable for everyone – newcomers and people who have been in Canada for years.

Stilecroft Public School, Jane Finch neighbourhood, Toronto