Center to young Fil-Canadians: ‘Aim higher in career choices’

Clutch is a six-month arts-based program for young Filipina women. KAPISANANCENTRE PHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO — A Filipino cultural center in Toronto is challenging Filipino youth to set their aspirations higher than working as caregivers and nannies.

Nicole Cajucom, executive director of Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts and Culture told Metronews.ca that there was nothing wrong with being a nanny or caregiver. “They are very noble jobs. But when you grow up with the stereotype that every Filipino in Toronto is a caregiver or a nanny, you risk missing out on so many cool things.”

The Kapisanan centre is offering two mentorship programs to challenge youth 16 to 24 to aim for higher career goals.

One program, called Clutch, specifically targets young Filipino women; the other, called Navigate, is aimed at young men.

The six-month workshops give youth leadership skills and an opportunity to work with successful role models, Cajucom said.

The programs also encourage young Filipino Canadian participants to reconnect with their Filipino cultural heritage. The participants will become part of the KULTURA festival in August.

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