YOUTH PROGRAMS

YEG The Come Up

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YEG TheComeUp is a black youth empowerment program that works towards uplifting and sharing the voices of young people of African descent while also addressing challenges, societal issues, and barriers experienced by Black youth in Edmonton.

Mission

To encourage individual and community empowerment from within. 

YEG TheComeUp is a youth-led collective that caters to Edmonton's African, Black and Caribbean youth communities. Our mission is “to encourage individual and community empowerment from within.” Whether through hosting community socials, organizing workshops, or curating knowledge campaigns,  TheComeUp hopes to be at the forefront of subjects that matter to Black youth.

Program Framework

Youth participating in the collective have the option to join the following task forces: 

  • Education and Advocacy 
  • Events Planning 
  • Social Media and Outreach 
  • Community Wellness 
  • Arts and Culture 

TCU’s task forces allow youth to engage in community development activities with skills they already have or are interested in developing. With each task force being  structured around a specific subject, youth have the flexibility to choose which areas of focus they value and develop the capacity to navigate skills such as social media marketing, project coordination, community activism, and so much more. 

Projects

Since our inception on September 12th, 2013, we have worked on a number of projects and collaborations that have sought to uplift and empower youth in our community. Some notable one’s include: 

  • Melanin Narratives (I-VII) 
  • Triental Youth Conferences 
  • TCU’s Little Black Book
  • Youth Mental Health Research study with Dr. Bukola Oladunni Salami (RN,MN,PhD) 

Within our work, we always seek to honor the mission and values of our program and the Africa Centre, and ensure that our spaces are inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community. 

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TESTIMONIAL

“I’ve always had a passion for working with youth and giving my time to make an impact. The Come Up has enabled me to connect with my black community, while still fulfilling my passion for youth and community. I’ve found that passion is contagious.

From the moment I started volunteering with The Come Up, I’ve felt every person’s passion for change and progression for our black community. This passion is what drives every event, meeting, conference, social and person involved with The Come Up. This passion is now what drives me.

Good organizations see unique skills in individuals and work to develop those skills. I have been able to grow and thrive in an environment that enables creativity, change and collaboration. All it takes is one person believing in you and before you know it, you’re accomplishing what you never thought you could.

From my time here, I’ve developed stronger leadership skills, communication skills, and learned new outreach and collaboration strategies. I learned the value of strong relationships within a team, and I’ve learned how to cultivate those bonds. I’ve definitely become a better leader, and what’s nice too is that I now have a support system and new friendships that I can rely on!”

— TARISSA WOOLASTON

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Our Partners & Funders

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