Did you know that in Canada, one out of every five children lives in poverty? The Muslim Food Bank (MFBCS) Summer School Canada program is a shining example of an organization evolving its services to meet the needs of its community. For the past two years, the program has successfully provided academic support and cultural integration for elementary-aged children from low-income and refugee backgrounds.

Academic Success and Cultural Integration

The Summer School Program for Youth offers a range of benefits for students, making it a valuable resource for their academic and social development:

• Academic Support: The program provides targeted tutoring in core subjects like English, Math, and Science, helping students improve their understanding and address any learning gaps. This can boost their confidence and academic performance in the upcoming school year.
• Cultural Integration: The program environment fosters a sense of belonging and cultural integration for students from refugee backgrounds. By interacting with peers and teachers in a welcoming space, they can gain valuable social skills and feel more comfortable navigating their new Canadian environment.
• Summer Learning Boost: Summer learning loss is a real concern for students. The Summer School Program helps to mitigate this by providing continued learning opportunities, ensuring students retain knowledge and skills learned during the regular school year.
• Socialization and Development: The program offers a safe and structured environment for students to interact with peers and build social connections. This is especially important for newcomers who may be unfamiliar with their surroundings and lack established social circles.