#endfgm Feb 6 2018 In these images the community of Il Ngwesi is together declaring their commitment to the protection of girls and women for now and for future generations. The ‘Bless the Curse’ event held in late November brought 700+ residents from the community and representatives from across the nation. Young girls and boys, old men and women, and everyone in between shared a community commitment to END FGM and raise the status of women. We are very proud at ICA CANADA of our partners in Il Ngwesi courage to take on an issue that has a very deep context. The linked article here is not about Il Ngwesi precisely but it is a nice description of a similar context.

Getting to the Bottom of ToP Interview with Jo Nelson ICA Canada GM David Buwalda interviews author/facilitator Jo Nelson on the publication of Getting to the Bottom of ToP. January 2018.

Lift the Curse – Il Ngwesi In the News Maasai elders lift ‘curse’ on girls who defied FGM Maa community elders lifted a “curse” they had pronounced upon girls who had declined circumcision in a ceremony held over the weekend in Laikipia. In a cleansing ceremony conducted by elders from Laikipia, Kajiado and Samburu, rituals intended to bless the girls who had defied the cut were performed. More than 200 girls who had … Continue reading

National Media attention on Il Ngwesi

Celebrating Social Pioneers: The Storefront (Toronto) ICA CANADA and East Scarborough Storefront  Since the late 1980s, ICA Canada has embarked on collaborative partnerships with grassroots communities to build their capacity towards positive social change. Thousands of people have passed through our doors, learned the skills they needed, and gone into the world to help transform their organizations, communities and society as a whole. We have been proud to work with social pioneers who have moved society forward and engaged communities towards a common unified goal. As stated in our mission, we “develop the leadership capacity of all people to contribute to positive social change through research, publishing, education and social change projects.” We are therefore delighted to acknowledge the role of the East Scarborough Storefront for its contribution to transforming the East Scarborough community in Toronto. Both ICA Canada and the East Scarborough Storefront share a common approach to building community, facilitating collaboration and supporting people to learn together and find meaning in everything they do – be it at home, community or in the broader society. We

2017 Courage to Lead Award Dinner The Courage to Lead award is presented each year to a person who encourages facilitative leadership in their communities. This year we are very pleased to present it to Anne Gloger, CEO of East Scarborough Storefront and the Centre for Connected Communities. Anne works with a group of courageous leaders and we have decided to move our award ceremony closer to home, to East Scarborough, and to the community we are celebrating. Also, we are waiving the ticket fees. All are invited on Friday, October 20th, 2017 at St. Mark’s United Church at 115 Orton Park Rd. Toronto from 7-9pm. A buffet with vegetarian and/or Halal options is available.  The venue is fully accessible. Please let us know if you plan to come at ica@icacan.org ,at 416-691-2316 x 2247 or through our Eventbrite page. Thank you! David Buwalda – General Manager at ICA CANADA