Our Mentor Program is a cornerstone of the Ralph Thornton Community Centre and our vibrant Riverdale neighborhood. Over the years, we’ve harnessed creative learning techniques to support language development, leadership skills, cultural adaptation, and personal growth. Through one-on-one and small group mentorship, we’ve been empowering newcomer Chinese children from our local area.
Originally, our program was designed to introduce newcomer children to Canadian culture, and as our community evolved, so have we. Today, while continuing to support newcomers, we also address the needs of children from Chinese families born in Canada. These children, who are often fluent in conversational English, greatly benefit from our focus on advanced reading and writing skills, as well as building confidence in using English outside of school. Our program provides a nurturing environment for both newcomer and second-generation Canadian Chinese children to enhance their English skills and adapt to Canadian culture, empowering them to express themselves effectively in all areas of life.
Our Mentor Program is designed to meet our community’s needs throughout the year. We offer two-hour sessions Monday to Thursday: after school during the school year and full afternoons during our intensive six-week summer program. With the support of local volunteers and teacher candidates from York University, our dedicated team ensures a high staff-to-student ratio, providing personalized attention and support for every participant. At the heart of our program is the Individualized Lesson Plan (ILP). By pairing students with mentors who share similar interests and strengths, we create tailored learning experiences. Our ongoing assessment process allows mentors to adapt their teaching methods, fostering an engaging environment that encourages a love of learning.
Lessons cover vocabulary, phonics, reading comprehension, and writing skills through interactive worksheets and activities. Additionally, children participate in group activities centered around weekly themes, where they apply their language skills in fun, educational settings. From cooking to robotics, these activities help develop social skills and foster peer friendships.
Two years ago, we integrated our summer Mentor Program with RAC Camp to provide an expanded full-day program. This day camp, available for local children aged 6-12, offers traditional summer-camp recreational activities like sports, arts and crafts, park play, and Thursday field trips to Toronto attractions. Joining RAC Camp in the mornings provides Mentor Program participants with opportunities to interact with local children and enjoy recreational activities. In the afternoon, they return to English mentoring. This blended approach offers a balanced experience, combining friendship-building and summer camp fun with targeted English language support.
The impact of our Mentor Program has been profound and wide-reaching. Children who initially struggled with English now engage confidently in conversations, demonstrating significant improvements in their language skills and forming lasting friendships. We’ve observed notable strides in academic readiness, particularly in reading comprehension and writing abilities. Furthermore, the in-person interactions and sense of community our program provides have been especially valuable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Building on these successes, our summer partnership with RAC Camp further enhances these positive outcomes. Throughout the summer, we’ve created a diverse and inclusive environment where children from various backgrounds learn and play together. Our summer Mentor Program participants get to apply their improved English skills in real-life situations, boosting their confidence in social settings and expanding their friendships beyond their usual circles. Meanwhile, RAC Camp kids benefit from exposure to different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and global awareness. This summer collaboration has amplified the impact of our Mentor Program, particularly in strengthening community bonds and promoting cultural understanding.
While our summer integration brings unique benefits, the positive impacts of our Mentor Program are evident year-round and reach far beyond the children we directly serve. Parents have reported increased engagement at home, with their children using English more frequently and showing a greater interest in their new community. Our mentor teachers also gain valuable experience, developing leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, our Mentor Program helps build a more connected, inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
We invite you to join us in this transformative experience. Whether you’re a parent looking to enroll your child, a community member interested in volunteering, or someone eager to learn more about how you can support our program, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact the Ralph Thornton Community Centre today to discover how you can contribute to and benefit from our Mentor Program. Together, we can continue to foster a vibrant, inclusive Riverdale neighborhood that celebrates diversity and empowers our youth.