By Neil Armstrong

A non-profit community organization that was founded in March 2001 to support Black youth facing challenges is now celebrating its 24^th anniversary.

ResQ (Reaching Each Student Quickly) Youth International Incorporated provides subject matter experts such as law enforcers, judges, lawyers, educators, and community representatives dedicated to supporting youth in crisis through volunteerism.

With a mandate to ensure that all youth receive the best quality education by staying in school, its objective is to identify and address issues in the community that are affecting youth.

Keynote speaker Justice Dr. Irving Andre, a Superior Court Justice and co-founder of ResQ Youth, urged the youth to not allow discrimination to abort their promise in the community. He also told them that one of the questions they should ask themselves is “what are we doing to take this struggle ahead?”

The judge advised them to believe in their innate ability to succeed especially at a time when the challenges to equity, diversity and inclusive are rife in the United States and they may become uncertain of themselves.

He said adults have to let young people know that education is the avenue for social mobility in Canada.

Justice Andre urged the young people at the event held at the Malton Youth Hub – Jonathan Davis Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, to reflect on who they are, the journey of their parents, the opportunities that exist, and to arm themselves with the mental tools that will lift them up and those that are coming after them.

Justice Andre was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in 2002 and to the Superior Court of Justice in Brampton in 2012 where he presently resides.

He has been the president of the Sisserou Cultural Club of Brampton, the United Achievers Club and has been a member of the John Howard Society in Brampton.

The Ontario judge has also written several books including biographies of some prominent persons in Dominica where he grew up. A few weeks ago, he was awarded the Black Diamond Legacy Award.

“We concentrate efforts on illustrating when, how or why certain behaviours are unacceptable and provide our youth with the tools to change. We mediate, educate, counsel and provide mentoring to all young persons in the community,” noted Abigail Hamilton, executive director and co-founder of ResQ Youth International Inc.

Held under the theme, “Building the Future One Youth at a Time,” she called for individuals to donate, volunteer or partner with the organization.

Its programming includes, among other things, conflict management training, job readiness, tutoring, mentorship, and parent empowerment and youth engagement partnerships.

Among the future goals of the organization outlined by Hamilton are expanding the academic support and mentorship programs, growing the Building Safer Communities initiative, strengthening youth engagement and job readiness opportunities, and expanding programs to middle schools, among other things.

The anniversary celebration included an awards presentation for youth participants, alumni and volunteers, testimonials, performances and remarks by municipal government representatives.

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  Brampton