SECC group cooks for youth

LEAMINGTON — The Newcomer Youth Group at South Essex Community Council (SECC) recently spent three sessions cooking cultural dishes for their peers who live or attend programming at The Bridge Youth Resource Centre. The Newcomer Youth Group is planning, preparing and cooking the community meal that is offered nightly at The Bridge for youth ages 14-24.

Their motto is “When we foster the youth’s ideas, we are promoting their sense of belonging, building community and building up their self-confidence.”

From left, SECC’s MSW student Ali Hedge, and Newcomer Youth Group participants Sita Voeun, Kristal Jose and Richie Beltran prepare quail eggs.

Photo submitted

The sessions have also helped the Newcomer Group develop skills in teamwork, leadership, confidence and self-esteem.

“We are so proud of our Newcomer Youth Group for spearheading this cooking initiative,” said Vicki Noland, who oversees SECC’s Children & Youth programs. “It is amazing to see youth from various different cultures come together to celebrate diversity while sharing in a delicious meal together.”

If you are interested in donating to the Children & Youth programs at SECC to continue to support programs like these, visit secc.on.ca/donate