Tutoring Program Serving Regent Park Kids Faces Uncertain Future as Funding Runs Out

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Tutoring Program Serving Regent Park Kids Faces Uncertain Future as Funding Runs Out

The “Good Education for a Bright Future” tutoring program, run by Rabia Alsabaie through her grassroots organization Happy Moms, Happy Children, is in danger of shutting down due to funding challenges. This initiative has provided essential academic support to children from Grades 1 to 7 in Regent Park, helping them excel in school and gain confidence.

Fred Alvarado – Local Journalism Initiative

Beyond tutoring, the program offers job placements for local youth, allowing them to serve as mentors and build strong connections with younger students. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment and strengthens social ties within the community.

However, the program’s future is at risk as funding from the City of Toronto’s Social Development Plan was not renewed for 2025. Rabia and her team are now scrambling to secure the necessary resources to keep the initiative running.

“Education is a lifeline for many families here,” Rabia said, emphasizing that quality learning opportunities can change children’s lives. Despite her open letter urging action, local political leaders have yet to respond.

Volunteer Lola Larson echoed Rabia’s concerns, highlighting the program’s importance. If the program ends, it would leave a major gap in the community, impacting both the children who rely on it and the youth who gain valuable experience through mentorship.

Rabia is now asking for support through donations or any kind of help. Those interested can reach out to her on Instagram or find her at Daniels Spectrum, 3rd floor.

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Video Upload Date: March 26, 2025

FOCUS Media Arts Centre (FOCUS) is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1990 to counter negative media stereotypes of low income communities and provide relevant information to residents living in the Regent Park area and surrounding communities.

We seek to empower marginalized individuals and under represented communities to have a voice, through the  use of professional training, mentorships and participatory based media practices that enable the sharing of stories, experiences and perspectives on relevant matters and issues. In brief our mandate is to empower marginalized individuals and under-serviced communities to have a voice and tell their own stories.

 

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