On February 24, youth participants in the joint Toronto Community Housing - Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) program showed off their self-confidence, professionalism and excellent public speaking skills in a mock trial presided over by a real Ontario Court of Justice judge. Participants were from Humber Boulevard and the Gordonridge community.

This was the fourth mock trial since the Toronto Community Housing - Ontario Justice Education Network partnership began in 2005. Once again, Judge Kofi Barnes was impressed with the “stars” that have come from TCHC neighbourhoods through the OJEN program.

Participants prepared for four weeks and attended a series of Justice 101 workshops. The training and preparation enabled the young role-players to complete another successful mock trial. Even the mock witnesses (some as young as 11 years-old) and the accused were applauded for their “on-the-witness-stand” performances.

The Toronto Community Housing - Ontario Justice Education Network partnership has been very successful since its inception. This partnership has enabled 90 young people from neighbourhoods like, Firgrove, Flemingdon Park, Glendower and Sheppard-Magellan to role-play and learn about the processes of the Ontario Courts System. The youth developed friendships and camaraderie with respected lawyers, court staff and a distinguished judge. Thanks to the hands-on experiences from the program, some former participants are considering a career with the Ontario Justice system.

The program’s success speaks to the impact of Toronto Community Housing’s Children and Youth Strategy. It offers meaningful programming and creates opportunities for young people to learn skills and develop relationships with caring adults.