Program Purpose

MATE MASIE is a West African philosophy that means “What I hear, I keep.” It is an is an innovative community- based program, created to provide HIV/AIDS and STI (sexually transmitted infection) prevention education to African, Caribbean and Black youth aged 15-24 in Toronto’s high-needs communities.

Program Objective

Through workshops, guest-speakers and candid dialogue, participants explore the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS & STIs and the roles that they can play in reducing rising rates of infection. Mate Masie’s unique blend of Kwanzaa workshops and Yoga, is to helps the youth pursue their goals and dreams.

Program Activities

By actively engaging them in the process of career and life development the Mate Masie team focuses on strengthening their self-confidence/esteem in ways that celebrate their identity as Black people. With these fundamentals, we use a holistic approach to educating the youth about HIV/AIDS and STI prevention. In these safe spaces participants are given the tools and support to explore life skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, wisdom, critical thinking, and healthy decision making.

This project is delivered in three phases over the course of several seasons:

• Phase 1 – The 7 Week Kwanzaa & Yoga Sessions -  Sessions are held for a 7 week period throughout various Toronto sites with the support of partner agencies. These sessions include yoga instruction, Kwanzaa dialogue and lessons, workshops featuring dynamic guest speakers (ie. HIV/AIDS & STI 101, creative writing, pursuing professional goals, etc.), as well as access to resources and adult mentors.
• Phase 2 – The Retreat -  Youth participants from all sites are invited to attend a weekend retreat where they have the opportunity to deepen their yoga practice, be taken care of like the kings and queens that they are, access adult mentors, access a wide variety of recreational services and participate in group activities that nurture their mind, body, heart and soul. Of course, there is also plenty of time for them to kick back, relax and have fun with each other.
• Phase 3 – The Graduation -  Youth participants from all sites are invited to receive their Certificate of Completion at a Community Kwanzaa Celebration & Graduation Ceremony where their accomplishments will be honoured and celebrated. The evening features a Key Note Speaker, fabulous entertainment, an interactive Kwanzaa Celebration, and a slideshow of youth participant experiences through-out the program. Along with a Certificate of Accomplishment, youth will receive a ‘tool-kit’, a tote bag filled with safer sex materials and literature, a yoga mat, a meditation CD, as well as additional wellness-oriented ‘gifts’.

These activities are delivered by a team consisting of a Program Coordinator and Youth Site Coordinators. Youth also receive ongoing support throughout the year from partner agencies, as well as Black CAP, around accessing necessary resources for pursuing employment, housing, healthcare, counseling, etc.

Get Involved

If you would like to receive more information about this program, please call Mary Yehdego at 416.977.9955 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or through the Volunteer Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This program is generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Youth Challenge Fund and the Community One Foundation.