Event Report: Inspiring Meeting with RAFIO Youth

Date: Friday, February 14, 2024

Location: RAFIO Offices – 235 chemin Montréal, Ottawa

Theme: Support and consultation for Black Francophone youth survivors of dating violence

Activity Overview

On Friday, February 14, 2024, RAFIO, in partnership with Service Familial et Counseling Ottawa (SFC Ottawa), organized an inspiring meeting with Black Francophone adolescent girls and boys who are survivors of dating violence.

The purpose of this activity was to present a new support program for youth and gather their input in order to develop activities and services that are better adapted to their realities and needs.

The meeting took place in a warm, welcoming, and participatory atmosphere. The youth demonstrated openness, engagement, and strong interest throughout the discussions and activities.

Activities Conducted

Several activities and moments of exchange were held during the evening, including:

• An icebreaker activity to encourage interaction and build connections among participants;

• Inspiring testimonies presented by Olivier and Ms. Antoinette;

• An open discussion allowing youth to share their ideas and suggestions for the project.

The youth proposed several creative and relevant ideas for the future program, including:

• artistic workshops;

• an anonymous testimony box;

• sports activities;

• activities promoting youth support and self-expression.

These exchanges allowed participants to freely express themselves and actively contribute to the development of the program.

Participation and Feedback

The youth actively participated in the discussions and activities. The exchanges were enriching, inspiring, and constructive.

Participants expressed appreciation for the safe and supportive space created during the meeting. Their engagement and positive energy greatly contributed to the success of the activity.

Closing of the Activity

The activity ended in a friendly and positive atmosphere. Participants had the opportunity to continue informal discussions, further strengthening connections between youth and facilitators.

The organizers also presented the next steps of the project, which involve turning the proposed ideas into concrete actions in order to develop a support program adapted to the needs expressed by the youth.

Conclusion

This meeting created a space for listening, sharing, and consultation with Black Francophone youth survivors of dating violence. The discussions and ideas gathered will contribute to the creation of a more inclusive, participatory, and youth-centered support program.

The engagement of participants, along with their positive feedback, demonstrates the relevance and positive impact of this type of initiative within the RAFIO youth community.