Community Partnerships Help Ensure There Is No Wrong Door

Community Partnerships Help Ensure There Is No Wrong Door

Thanks to initial funding from the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), in 2022, we helped launch a region-wide tutoring pilot program. While numerous community organizations across Waterloo Region were offering after-school homework help, these services were often fragmented and inaccessible to many families. The goal of this initiative was to consolidate these services, making them more accessible and equitable.

What began as a pilot program to offer more accessible support and help close the learning gap exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved significantly into an effective and stable model for student engagement. The pilot’s success demonstrated the program’s value, securing further funding from the Upstream Fund for the 2023/24 year.

“I am finding new ways to learn and finally be happy.”

The pandemic drastically changed how students learn and interact, and we adapted by reintroducing physical spaces for learning. By using various community spaces across the region, we have increased access and provided students with choices about when and where they receive support. For those uncomfortable with in-person sessions, virtual tutoring options are available to further reduce barriers. Most tutoring sites operate on a drop-in basis, allowing for greater flexibility.

This initiative represents a significant step in ensuring that students and families in our community have the necessary support. The program has expanded, the unification brought more intentionality and priority to strengthening our strategic collaborations with our community partners. This growth continues to break down barriers and open doors, helping more students and families each year.

The pilot project helped 292 students in 2022, and in 2023, we served 508 students. A remarkable 74% growth!

This initiative is about collaboration. At Camino, we don’t do it alone. To serve our diverse community, we work in partnership with other organizations. This allows members of our communities to receive culturally appropriate support and helps build a more equitable community for all. Together we are building a stronger, more supportive community for everyone.