"To invest in people, prioritize education" - International Day of Education 2023

The International Day of Education is an annual celebration of education, and its powerful role in addressing social inequities. Celebrated on January 24th, the International Day of Education was coined 5 years ago by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the role of education in peace and development. The 2023 theme for the day is “to invest in people, prioritize education”, which recognizes the invaluable contribution of education in transforming the physical, social, mental, and emotional health of communities and individuals.

However, access to educational opportunities is limited for individuals who come from marginalized backgrounds, live in poverty, and/or identify as women. The UN estimates that around 244 million children and adults have not attended school, and 644 million do not have basic literacy and mathematical skills. Limited access to education perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequity.

New Beginnings Support Program

At New Beginnings Support Program, our vision is to empower women who identify as Black, Indigenous or person of color (BIPOC), refugees, and/or living in poverty to make an impactful change in their lives and community through education. We are a charitable agency that serves women who identify as low-income and underserved by providing access to long-term opportunities that invest in the personal, educational, and financial wellbeing of women. In 2021, over 85% of our participants identified as single mothers and over 86% of the women were receiving social support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Through a series of programs, we help women become self-oriented, confident, and employable, helping them create a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Our Programs

We take a holistic approach to empowering women by providing self-developmental and educational opportunities. In 2021, we provided the Life Stabilization program that helped women take charge of their health and well-being and provided a platform to gain financial and leadership skills. It is a 1-yr long program with 3 stages. The 1st phase is Step into Success program that provides access to opportunities and resources to obtain new skills and education; the 2nd phase is?the certification from the Humber College Business Office Technology Program. Upon graduation in the 3rd phase, the women had the opportunity to take part in a 3-month internship at a leading company that utilized their skills and education.?

Our Impact

In 2021, 30 women were enrolled in our Step into Success – Humber College program. After taking part in the New Beginnings Support Program, 87% of participants felt that their financial literacy had improved, and they were better skilled to make plans for their financial security. 100% of participants believed that the Humber College Certification met their expectations, with 91% of those who completed the program agreeing that they felt more job ready.

The New Beginnings Support Program is honored to support and empower women across Ontario; our participants are confident, resilient, and prepared to take charge of their future. On this International Day of Education, support women across Ontario achieve a stable future, by making a donation at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10417 .?

Participant Impact Story

“My experience with New Beginnings is something I’ll be forever grateful for. Throughout the year with New Beginnings, I learned how to become more confident in myself and my knowledge. I have grown so much in the past year thanks to this program! I’ve learned so many new skills through all the workshops offered, worked with some amazing people and staff, I was able to complete a college certificate with Honors and receive an amazing internship opportunity afterward. All of which I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do otherwise. So, I thank New Beginning’s for giving me this opportunity and helping me better myself and my future going forward!” - Kathleen Turnball