President’s Message
As the heat of the summer intensifies, we know that we are not far from
another graduation ceremony. Let me congratulate all the participants in
our various programs for your accomplishments this year. I hope you
enjoy the evening!
2007/2008 was a watershed year marking the metamorphosis of East
End Literacy into Toronto Centre for Community Learning &
Development (CCL&D). This was the culmination of a couple of years
of discussions and strategic planning with input from the board, staff,
learning participants and our extended community. It was amazing for
me to witness the angst and eventual satisfaction as the new plan and, in
particular, the new name fell into place. I can feel the confidence from all involved that we are headed in the
right direction. |
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As we look to our theme for the graduation ceremony; “Strong Communities Together,” be reminded that it is
no coincidence that our name includes the word community. Over its more than 20 year history, and in our
recent planning activities, CCL&D has understood that empowering individuals is accomplished through a
holistic training approach that allows them to integrate and take advantage of the community around them. The
Immigrant Women Integration Program (IWIP), a truly innovative program, takes the concept one step further
by empowering women with the skills to strengthen their communities and then by sending the participants out
to expand the capacity of communities across the city. Building strong communities is what CCL&D does!
With its shiny new name and renewed confidence, CCL&D is attracting new initiatives that will make for
exciting times ahead.
This year marks my sixth and therefore my last year on the Board of Directors of CCL&D. I would like to take
a moment to express my sincere respect for the board, staff and learning participants that I met and worked with
at CCL&D. I have learned much from those I have shared this experience with. I look forward to finding ways
to stay involved with CCL&D over the next few years.
Doug Cooke
President, Board of Directors