Youth & Educational Empowerment
The Power of Education
The Power of Education program is a wholehearted initiative designed to inspire people to engage deeply in their educational journeys. Most people appreciate the inherent value of receiving an education, but the choice to attend or stay in school can be a difficult one—especially for folks from marginalized and/or migrant communities who may prioritize accessing financial resources over learning opportunities.
By exploring the impact of access to education (and lack thereof) through real-life stories, participants are invited to:
Hear from people who approached education as a propeller for success
Learn from people who encountered challenges due, in part, to a lack of commitment to their educational journeys
Engage in honest discussions on navigating success and struggle in the education system
Define their personal and educational goals
Develop strategies in overcoming learning challenges, and create actionable plans for their learning journey
Contribute to creating an empowered and supportive school culture
Beyond the Classroom
Designed to dismantle barriers to education, Beyond the Classroom empowers individuals who have previously faced challenges in accessing formal schooling by helping them unlock their full potential. With a focus on lifelong personal growth and development, this program explores alternative learning experiences and practical skills training as a means of discovering inherent talents and new pathways to success.
Through storytelling, hands-on learning, and a supportive environment, participants will:
Understand and redefine the value of education and continuous learning
Identify unique talents and set both personal and professional goals
Explore skills as they relate to life management, vocation, communication, and digital literacy
Learn from guest speakers who have previously encountered educational challenges on their journey, and sought alternative routes to personal and professional success
Engage in networking opportunities within community
The Fearless Speaker
Designed for young people aged 12-18, this workshop aims to support youth in overcoming their fears and building their confidence in public speaking.
Fear holds us back from many things that are crucial to the quality of our lives, such as connecting with others, and achieving our goals. The Fearless Speaker Workshop aims to help young people manage and overcome those fears by improving their public speaking skills. Public speaking has a trickle down effect, in that those who can do so effectively in the presence of a group are more likely to handle social situations with ease, approach their goals with confidence, and have a greater ability to strong relationships.
In this program, participants will:
Navigate anxieties and fears that public speaking often induces
Develop skills and strategies for clear communication
Build confidence for unique and effective self-expression
Learn advanced techniques and engage in role-plays, with peer and professional feedback
Hear personal insights from guests who have successfully navigated similar challenges
Connecting Generations
Connecting Generations is a fun and interactive program designed to bring together teens and young adults in order to share and learn from each other’s stories and experiences.
With a focus on the power of storytelling as a tool for personal growth, participants will engage in a series of community-building exercises and discussions that foster a sense of belonging, build meaningful multigenerational relationships, and teach valuable life lessons and insights.
Rooted in the spirit of mutual mentorship, this program empowers teens and young adults to map connections, exchange experiences, and build networks, ultimately creating a supportive environment for youth in our local communities.
Explore More Programs at Shemsi Speaks
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On Self-Discovery & Personal Development
Taking ownership of our lives and stories in a world saturated with social media and advertising can be a radical act. These workshops are designed to help people focus on their own growth and development, from creating value-aligned roadmaps to uncovering their life stories in written form.
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On Relationships
These workshops cover the gamut of our most important relationships. Offering key insights and practical tools, we explore how to grow real and healthy relationships with both ourselves and our spouses; learn to heal in the aftermath of separation; embrace the joys and responsibilities of raising resilient children in today’s world; and build a more connected, multigenerational home.
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On Building Community
Community empowerment is at the heart of our work. In this collection of programs, we aim to unlock cultural insights for stronger work-based relationships, raise awareness of health issues in multicultural communities, and build mutual trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.