INTERVIEW WITH DEMARI GRANT, BOYS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto (BBBST), we’re fortunate to have a great group of people working together, who are dedicated and passionate about empowering youth in Toronto through mentorship.

One of these members is Demari, who plays a key role in fostering relationships with youth in schools throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Demari’s visits also include the Toronto District School Board’s Africentric School, which was created to support Black students in Toronto.

Tell us a little bit about your role and what you do at BBBST.

I’m a Boys Empowerment Program Specialist at BBBST. I manage multiple programs throughout the Greater Toronto Area, most notably within Scarborough, North York and downtown Toronto. As part of my role, I visit school sites and implement a school-based curriculum on aspects like, self-esteem and bullying.

What inspired you to join BBBST?

I enjoy being able to make a difference in the lives of youth. I have previously worked with students in schools and summer camps. I saw this position as an opportunity to help youth in a more dynamic role, given BBBST’s representation in the community and schools.

What has been the most rewarding part of your work with the Boys Empowerment Program?

It has been rewarding to enter schools where students are eager to get started. It is especially gratifying to see their positive attitude and happiness towards the program, and to see the smiles on their faces when you meet them. We have also received positive feedback on the program from the students.

Why do you feel that this program at the Africentric school is important?

I feel this program is important because these students often come from environments where they feel they are unsupported or lack someone to talk to. When they come to us, they feel like they can relate to us a lot more, because we share similar experiences. As they go through the program, they become comfortable to speak to us, which allows us to help them manvoeuver through life issues and figure out solutions.

Thank you Demari, for all that you do at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto! To learn more about us and our programs, visit https://toronto.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/.