The Unseen Struggles of Canadian Disadvantaged Youth

Canada boasts some of the highest literacy rates globally, with high school completion and further education becoming the norm. Despite this, many homeless youth struggle to stay in school. Research shows that 63% to 90% of homeless youth have not finished high school, despite being of age to graduate.

Understanding the link between youth homelessness and dropping out of school is crucial. For many homeless youth and children, the instability of homelessness disrupts their education, leading to school dropouts despite their desire to continue learning. Studies have shown that the homeless youth often lack high school diplomas, which significantly impacts their ability to find stable employment. Moreover, although there is a growing awareness of the need for educational support, it often takes a backseat to more immediate needs like shelter and food.

A research funded by SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) of Canada, interviewed young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness in two cities in Ontario, Canada, on their schooling experiences. The following are the several common experiences told by these individuals:

Unstable Housing Situations

Frequent Moves and Lack of Stable Housing: Many youth bounced between friends, relatives, temporary shelters, or the streets, making it difficult to maintain consistent attendance at school.

Overcrowding and Poor Living Conditions: Even when housing was found, it was often shared, unstable, and uncomfortable, with issues like overcrowding, unresponsive landlords, and maintaining relationships or jobs, contributing to instability.

Family Issues

Parental Substance Abuse and Neglect: Many youth experienced neglect or abuse at home, including parents with drug or alcohol problems, which severely impacted their ability to attend and focus on school.

Parental Death or Absence: Some youth had lost one or both parents, leading to further instability and lack of support.

Direct Abuse: Instances of physical abuse by family members created environments where education was not a priority and often not possible.

Daily Survival Needs

Energy and Time Spent on Survival: Living on the streets or in shelters required significant time and energy to secure food and basic needs, leaving little room for attending school.

Limited Daytime Shelter Access: Some shelters did not provide daytime access, forcing youth to spend their days finding food and other necessities, which conflicted with school hours.

Social and Environmental Factors

Toxic and Unstable Social Environments: Youth in rented rooms or shared housing often faced toxic environments, such as negative influences, which were not conducive to studying or attending school.

Support System Limitations: Even when couch-surfing, the temporary nature of the arrangements and limited support from friends added to the instability.

Additional Specific Challenges

Safety Concerns: The need to avoid police attention or conflicts in shared housing environments led some youth to opt for even more precarious living conditions, such as sleeping under bridges.

Behavioral Issues Leading to Dismissal: Some youth were expelled from shelters due to behavior issues, which further disrupted their attempts to maintain stability and pursue education.

Role of NGOs In Bridging the Gaps

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in addressing the complex challenges faced by homeless youth in Canada. These organizations provide essential support services that include shelters, educational programs, vocational training, and access to healthcare. For instance, initiatives like 100 Meals a Week, founded by zeeshan and karina hayat, provide essential nourishment to help mitigate the challenges faced by homeless youth and facilitating their return to education and stability.

Beyond immediate needs, NGOs collaborate with educational institutions to provide tutoring, mentorship, and scholarships, aiming to reengage homeless youth in education and skill development. By advocating for policy changes and raising awareness about youth homelessness, NGOs contribute to systemic solutions that address the causes of homelessness and improve access to educational opportunities. Their efforts are crucial in empowering homeless youth to break the cycle of poverty, gain independence, and build brighter futures.

About 100 Meals a Week
Founded in 2006 by Zeeshan and Salma Karina Hayat, 100 Meals a Week is dedicated to addressing food insecurity with a holistic approach. This initiative focuses on providing comprehensive care to Vancouver’s DTES vulnerable population. Since its inception, 100 Meals a Week has delivered over 250,000 meals. Over the years, their efforts have expanded to include essential items such as clothing, blankets, hygiene products, and sleeping bags, making a significant positive impact on many lives.