Students praise Black mentorship and coaching program in London high schools
The program was launched in the London region this year
A program that provides Black high school students with mentors and coaches to help them graduate and succeed has been expanded to the London region's school boards after proving successful in other cities.
"It's really about community building, at the end of the day. It is targeted and direct to supporting Black students, and addressing barriers earlier on. It's things I wish that I'd had when I was in high school — someone to guide me to post-secondary pathways and life in general," said Tarik Kifle, the graduation coach for Black students with the Thames Valley District School Board.
She's based out of Laurier Secondary School, her alma mater, where there are more than 100 Black students. "It's a similar experience for a lot of Black Londoners — there's not a lot of representation of Black people within the school system and a lot of roles in general," Kifle said.
"We see very few Black doctors, teachers, lawyers, but that's definitely changing now and it's nice to be in this role, to connect with individuals who are in those spaces and be able to bring them to the school to provide that mentorship that we all wish we had."
Kifle's work was praised at a recent school board meeting. Superintendent Rheba Moore-Nash said the role was created to provide culturally sensitive support to students and to counter narratives of low expectations. The ministry of education launched the role in other school boards in 2019 and this year expanded it locally.
London District Catholic School Board also has a graduation coach for its Black students.
Coach a 'valuable resource'
Studies in other school boards have shown Black students are suspended and expelled at higher rates than their white counterparts. Specifically, male Black students are two to four times more likely to be expelled or suspended, and the research indicates it's not because of differences in behaviour but rather in the way students are treated and supported.
Students at Laurier say Kifle's presence has helped them connect with one another and their cultural backgrounds.
"I feel like I have come out of my shell and engaged with the Black community as well as my peers and teachers," said student Jayda Bowlin, the co-president of the Laurier Black Student Association.
"Tarik is a valuable resource. She's helped us meet and learn from successful Black mentors, whose stories and experiences have motivated me to pursue my own dreams," Bowlin said.
Before Kifle's arrival, there wasn't a sense of connection or community among the Black students, Bowlin said. Now, many have developed a passion for empowering other Black youth, she added.
Kifle has connected the students with members of Western University's Black Student Association, as well as Black professionals who come to speak to the students about their own experiences in an unvarnished way.
The study space Kifle has created for students is a "safe landing spot" to gather and feel comfortable, she said.
"Sometimes the students come rushing in, stressed about getting into university or about their grades. A lot of students don't have access to resources and knowledge about scholarships and stuff like that, and I can help," Kifle said. "I can help them see what opportunities are out there for them."
Kifle meets weekly with the student success team and staff to make sure she knows what students need help, Matt Bradacs, Laurier's principal, told school board trustees. "She's actively sought to make connections with students," he said.
Trustees hope there will be more funding to bring more graduation coaches for Black students to the school board.
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