Across U Hub, a Platform for Canadian Youths

Amanda, a former program participant

East Asian Canadian students are typically stereotyped to be good students working hard and achieving well academically in schools.

Many teachers do not have to worry about these good students as they do well, and are quiet and do not cause any problems in class.

Unfortunately, this is only half of the truth. Many East Asian students do encounter problems in school, a problem of different kind that their parents and teachers do not normally see.

D. called Across U-hub his second home.

Some of the problems: low self confidence, identity issue, being bullied,  experiencing difficulty advocating for themselves, and expressing their true feelings.

Across gives youth a platform & a place to shine

Across U- Hub, an organization started by a group of concerned and dedicated Toronto educators and volunteers strive to address these issues.



It allows the youths a place to find their identities as well as providing a platform where they can discover and develop their potentials and strengths.

Across U-hub's new permanent home in Markham

A privately funded charitable organization, Across U hub was first established in ? and rented an office in Markham. Recently they have moved into a place which serves as their permanent home.
My husband and I were invited to attend one of their open house fund raising luncheon last weekend.



The office is located in the city of Markham, around the Warden and Steeles area.

Situated in an industrial area, the staff and youths of Across U hub have managed to transform a bleak cold warehouse unit into an inviting, warm and fun place for its program participants.

A comfy hangout spot for youths on the second level

They have done a fantastic job indeed!

As soon as we entered Across U hub's new home, we were greeted warmly and assigned to our Ambassador of the day, Amanda, a former Across member.

Creative wall art created and painted by youths decorated their Activity Room

Amanda acted as our guide and gave us a detail tour of the place which consists an open office space, a meeting room, a kitchen, a loft furnished with comfortable sofas where people can hang out, and a very spacious activity area converted from a former warehouse space.

One of the Centre Pieces for our luncheon table

The spacious activity area was where the luncheon took place.

Long tables covered in white linen tablecloths, decorated with painted flower vases recycled from empty bottles nicely painted by Across youths themselves adorned the Activity Area turned temporarily into a dining area.

 A thoughtful and personal touch for this fund raising event!

Instead of holding their annual gala in a hotel, Across did it in their new home!

Maria Y. shared research findings on the needs of our youths

Across staff, program participants and invited guests were able to mingle and interacted in this casual yet intimate setting.
 
 Nicole W. the executive director and Maria Y., a director, both did presentations about Across U-hub's vision, programs and needs of the youths and the centre.

Another beautiful art piece created by Across youths proudly graced the stage

We learned a lot of facts from the research findings about our youths and their struggles as well as how Across U hub has been able to address some of these needs successfully over the years.
 

Youths expressed their fears and feelings through art

As I was listening to these heartwarming tales from some of the young people who have been involved in the programs, I felt happy for those who called Across their second home.

This sense of belonging is so precious!
As an educator, I know how important the sense of belonging is to young people vulnerable to negative influences in our society.


It is through excellent work and caring organizations such as Across U hub that we can save our young people from joining gangs, going into drugs or being converted to some fanatic destructive groups in our society.

Pictures taken by Across youths in one of their weekly programs

Across U-hub, congratulations on moving into your new home and expanding your work!

To the staff of Across, we thank you and salute you for what your organization stands for and what you have been doing for our next generation!

Keep up your great work!

R.T.
Markham. Ontario
September, 2014