Working with ethno-specific communities

The research also identified newer programs developed by ethno-specific groups, such as Selvy’s Circle at the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre in Scarborough, Toronto. There are likely more programs such as these, though the preliminary scan did not reveal them. We can speculate that some are recent programs that change with the changing demographics of some urban neighborhoods. Others may not have the resources or need to promote themselves on the Internet, or may not operate from year to year due to unreliable project-based funding. There is agreement in the program research that the needs of girls with different racial and cultural identities are unique, and must shape approaches to girl-centred groups in these communities. Researchers for the Toronto YWCA report, for instance, comment on the need to hire program leaders from ethno-specific communities in order for girls and their parents to feel comfortable. They also point to the need for outreach to parents through the schools where there is a relative degree of trust.