taïna mueth
A collaborative initiative to create a space for exchange.
Learning Loop is a collaborative initiative, by and for young people, to create a space for exchange within Montreal's Black, Indigenous and Coloured (BIPOC) communities. This initiative was founded by Niti Mueth and me, and is funded by the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, of which we are laureates in the Youth in Power program.
Our aim is to invite under-represented and marginalized youth to forge authentic connections, share their experiences, discover how to engage in an educational process and deconstruct the structures of oppression facing our communities.
Through our initiative, we are committed to establishing a circular knowledge economy and democratizing knowledge within our communities. Our approach recognizes that knowledge cannot be owned absolutely by any one individual, but grows and evolves through our collective interactions and collaboration. Through our meetings and workshops, and by emphasizing the interconnection between our communities and our knowledge, we create a space conducive to combating structures of oppression and discrimination.
The fragmentation of community spaces and the lack of "third places" negatively affect young people's social development and sense of belonging. These informal meeting spaces are essential for fostering positive interactions and creating interpersonal bonds. The absence of these spaces reduces opportunities to strengthen the social fabric and civic engagement, particularly among Black and Indigenous youth (Yuen and Johnson, 2017).
That's why we want to offer free workshops on a monthly basis for 6 months to a cohort. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, create links and meet prominent Montreal leaders in various fields. These encounters will foster learning, offer inspiring perspectives and strengthen ties between participants and the dynamic fabric of Montreal.
