Education, advocacy & three new Board members added at AGM

Advocacy tips for your child’s education highlights special presentation

The Abrigo Centre held its 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, September 28, at Casa do Alentejo in Toronto. After a reception filled with a fine assortment of Portuguese style appetizers, Abrigo Board Chair Humberto Carolo welcomed the approximately 60 guests to this year’s event.

Among the many highlights was a moment to recognize the retirement of Michael Borrelli from the Board of Directors after serving the maximum six year period. Abrigo Executive Director Ed Graça extended special praise to Michael for his diligent watch over the agencies finances during his time served. Abrigo also welcomed three new members to the Board of Directors: Paula Medeiros, Ruth Fernandes and Matthew Correia.

Dignitaries in attendance included Cristina Martins, MPP Davenport, Caitlin Hancey, Ministry of the Attorney General and Rubaiyat Karim from the United Way Toronto & York Region.

After the AGM’ s formalities, select members of the Portuguese-Speaking Advisory Committee of the Toronto Catholic District School Board delivered a special presentation on advocacy and education. Specifically, the committee works to advance equitable education practices that are responsive to the diverse needs of Portuguese-speaking or students of Portuguese-speaking ancestry. The group outlined the progress they have made since forming in 2012, some of the challenges students face today and new initiatives going forward. A lively discussion followed the formal presentation with a variety of questions provided by an engaged audience.

It was clear that parents in the audience now have a much better idea of how the advisory committee works with the school Board and how to advocate for their child.