Child & Youth Empowerment

Using a holistic approach, SSI developed programs that identify the individual needs of children and youth in order to deliver tailored programming that equips them with skills to be self-sufficient, make informed decisions, and become productive members of society.

Our programs target children and youth aged 12-25 years old, unlocking their potential for economic mobility and healthy lifestyles that disrupt cycles of poverty and intergenerational abuse.

Education

This centre-based afterschool program operates daily serving participants aged 12-18 years old. Youth participate in a study period where they receive academic support through specialised volunteer tutors, learn study skills and exam preparation tips.

Participants’ English literacy and reading levels are also assessed upon program entry to determine what intervention level our Education staff should provide to bring students to their appropriate level.

Life Skills

Our Life Skills program is designed to empower participants aged 12–18 years old to be confident, assertive and prepared to make informed life decisions. We also offer extracurricular activities that hone and develop their talents and interests.

Leadership

Find the Leader Within is a 6-month leadership program funded by the FACET Foundation. The objective is to help graduates age 18–25 years old find employment, start their own business or return to school, depending on their individual goals. Participants learn:

• Leadership Skills
• Career Skills
• Business & Financial Literacy
• Healthy Lifestyles
• Computer Training

Upon successful completion, they enroll in a three- to six-week job shadowing experience with one of SSI’s many company partners.

Psychosocial Support

We understand mental health and wellness are key factors in overcoming adversity and building resilience. Our participants have already overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers before even coming to SSI. We honour their journey and seek to awaken the strength and resolve already within them.

Our solution-focused, trauma-informed services, provided through both individual and group sessions, help teach coping and communication skills to enable youth to heal from past wounds, pursue positive outlets for their feelings, build a sense of self-worth, and reduce high-risk behaviour.

We also host our Young Mothers support group, which offers mothers up to 24 years old, the opportunity to learn positive parenting skills, family planning & contraceptive methods, and career skills to help them provide for their little ones.

DREAMS

The DREAMS program, supported by USAID, helps reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women aged 9-24 years old by ensuring they are Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored and Safe. Participants receive services that include:

• Child Protection
• Comprehensive Sexual Education
• HIV & Gender-Based Violence [GBV] prevention
• Social Asset Building
• Substance Abuse Rehabilitation
• Socio-economic approaches

By providing these services through both virtual and physical “safe spaces”, the program empowers participants to face day-to-day issues, provides them with mentorship and access to a tailored combination of services to meet their specific needs.