Photo by Angelica S.
Summer Programs Participant
We help you build classrooms and communities where everyone belongs.
At Rivers of Hope, we empower youth with opportunities to envision and co-create welcoming and inclusive school and community environments.
We offer classroom workshops, summer programs, and toolkits that provide knowledge and skills around responding to racism, prejudice, and hate.
Photo by Sharmila B., Rivers of Hope Summer Programs Participant, Age 16
Photo by Triza
Summer Programs Participant
Our Summer Programs Encourage Youth Self-Expression
We offer summer programs that provide youth with the opportunity to work with professional artists and writers!
In our summer programs, participants use the arts and writing to express themselves around the theme of belonging. Participants receive feedback on their work from their peers and from our professional artist facilitators. Their final art and writing pieces are featured in our online gallery.
Our summer programs engage diverse art mediums, including photography, personal essays, and poetry.
What People Are Saying About Rivers of Hope
The workshop was very eye-opening. It encouraged me to look beyond my own race, culture and identity, and to be open and educated on others. Many of us face the same struggles and we could possibly all help each other in some way.
Classroom Workshop Participant
Age 16
I really liked the small community that was formed between us. The facilitators were very friendly and taught me and the others things like different photography techniques, and how to make a writing piece feel more emotional and real. Overall, it was a great workshop series and I am happy to be a part of this experience.
Summer Programs Participant
Age 16
Thank you for holding space and for facilitating a wonderful workshop series. These things aren't easy to talk about but I think the youth really built a sense of trust and took chances exploring art and connecting that to the teaching you shared. Please stay in touch, we would love to connect with you again!!!
Newcomer Youth Program Facilitator, North York Community House