Social work student wins 2023 BC Housing Bursary Award
I’ve never seen a Black social worker. It makes a big difference to kids. Seeing someone who looks like you. Someone who understands and is helping the community. We need more of us.
Ever since her teens, Cindy wanted to be a social worker. Her dream came from years of volunteering at the local Neighourhood House. Grassroots community builders, each Neighbourhood House provides unique local learning and supports. The caring, welcoming youth and social workers inspired her.
Cindy plans to be a community-based social worker
These days, social work studies focus on understanding the impacts of racism. In Canada, Black Canadians face more social inequality. They have lower-incomes and education levels than other racialized groups. Compared to others, they experience greater food and housing insecurity.
Cindy’s winning bursary application was about delivering inclusive, diverse community-based social work.
I want to advocate for people of all ages and walks of life.
From the Republic of Congo to a BC Housing community
For more than 20 years, Cindy’s family called Vancouver home. They moved to Canada from the Republic of Congo and have lived and played in this tree-lined area near a big park for decades. It’s a close community. Folks look after each other. Anchored by the area’s heart, the local Neighbourhood House, built by caring neighbours about 60 years ago.
Cindy plans to build on community excellence
It was the first Neighbourhood House in the region offering Daycare for Newcomer families without English. It pioneered Adult Day Care programming and other seniors’ activities.
Supporting after-school adventures, breakfast programs and daycare for both kids and adults. Making sure parents have the help they need. Standing up for seniors’ and leadership training for youth. Ensuring Indigenous events and family support programs run. Hosting cultural community celebrations from Diwali to Lunar New Year and more.
Newcomer families face challenges
As well as school studies and work, Cindy and her siblings help her parents.
Kids have a huge workload when parents aren’t English speakers. We end up looking after all the paperwork. Making sure rent agreements, banking and other legal matters are understood. It’s a lot.
BC Housing’s Tenant Support team encouraged Cindy to apply for a BC Housing Bursary
Post-secondary education costs add up. Tuition, books, etc.– like many students, Cindy finds it all expensive. The $750 bursary award helps.
Every year BC Housing provides more than $80,000 in education funds to over 75 students across B.C.
Each year, the BC Housing Bursary is awarded to one post-secondary or vocational student. They get $750 for tuition and other school expenses. Students can apply for up to seven BC Housing education awards and bursaries.
Application deadline for the BC Housing Bursary Award is April 30, 2024, by 2 pm.
Learn more about the BC Housing Bursary Award and how to apply.