Afri-Can FoodBasket e-News

Job Announcement
Published By Afri-Can FoodBasket
Committed to Food Security since 1996

Urban Farm Senior Youth Leader Intern Applications due May 9th 2007

Black Creek Urban Farm Project
Youth Development and Employment Initiative Is Now Hiring

Urban Farm Senior Youth Leader Intern

About Afri-Can FoodBasket

Afri-Can FoodBasket is a non-profit Community Food Security organization promoting the sustainable development of the Black Creek Urban Farm by nurturing a new generation of young leaders. We work towards this goal by creating opportunities for the youth of North-West Toronto to expand their knowledge base, develop new skills and positively engage with their community through the operation of a socially responsible urban farming enterprise.

About our Cultivating Youth Leadership: The Urban Farm Project

Youth begin their experience with Afri-Can FoodBasket in the seven-week Summer Youth Program, during which participants work each day on the urban Farm and in the community. Working under the supervision of our staff, interns and senior youth leaders, new participants develop a strong sense of self and community while learning the skills necessary to grow food from seed to sale. Additionally, youth participants are introduced to the social context of our work, the food system, issues of community wellness, and social justice.

Job Description

The Summer Program senior youth leaders Intern (SYLI) will join Afri-Can FoodBasket staff, Senior Youth Leaders, and fellow Interns in facilitating our Cultivating Youth Leadership Program. In this program, approximately 20 junior youths leaders from Toronto are employed to grow food, and are introduced to urban agriculture and the intersections of food, health, and social justice.

The senior youth leaders Intern will take part in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of daily programming— leading junior youth leaders in farm work and community-building activities. The senior youth leaders Intern will have the opportunity to develop skills in urban agriculture, teamwork, facilitation and leadership development, and will be encouraged to pursue additional individual learning goals while working within a supportive, energetic community. SYLI will also be encouraged to share their individual skills, knowledge, and perspectives with youth participants through specific projects or trainings.

Responsibilities will include:

•  Work directly with junior youth leaders and volunteers on the Farm by facilitating farm work and community-building activities (in partnership with Afri-Can FoodBasket Staff, Senior Youth Leaders, and other Interns)

•  Work directly with junior youth leaders and volunteers in community garden animation in farm neighborhood by facilitating garden animation and community-building activities (in partnership with Afri-Can FoodBasket Staff, Senior Youth Leaders, and other Interns)

•  Motivate, encourage, and support 20 youth participants in what may be their first work experience

•  Bring positive energy to the work

•  Participate in day-to-day planning and evaluation

•  Setup and cleanup of materials and site

•  Dependable attendance

•  Provides positive outdoor farming/gardening and camp experiences for children and youth

•  Completes related administrative duties and written evaluations

•  Works with other staff and attends training sessions

•  Liaises with area schools, community agencies and the public

•  Coordinates and delivers programming at community events

•  Perform other related work as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

•  Experience working with youth

•  Interest in, and willingness to learn about, farming and food justice

•  Strong communication skills

•  Self-motivated and able to work within a fluid environment

•  Experience in working independently as well as in groups

•  Ability to work with and supervise people of all ages, especially children and youth

•  Administrative, organizational, research, and program skills

•  Good communication and public relations skills

•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

•  Current Standard First Aid/CPR C

•  Willing work up to 40 hours per week

Period of Employment

• From May to October, 30 hours/week

• Some evening or weekend work may be required

Rate Wages

• $14.00 per hour

Application Deadline

May 9th, 2007 is the deadline for all new applicants submitting applications. Applications received after the deadline are welcome, and will be considered if necessary.

"February 16th, 2007"
In recognition of the strength of a multi-cultural environment and in service of our mission Afri-Can FoodBasket will support the growth and development of all employees and prospective employees, youth participants and our broader community without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

This is a fulltime position. Afri-Can FoodBasket will also gladly help students receive school credit for this position. Please send resume and cover letter to Tinashe Kanengoni Asst. Project coordinator Urban Farm Project, by email wafawanaka@gmail.com, 416-248-5639 or to 5 Replin Rd. Toronto

Copyright 2007, Afri-Can FoodBasket Designed & Managed By the CD&P Group Inc