EVERYDAY HEROES: Melodie Downey, Director, Rexdale ProTech Media Centre
Posted
Jul 17 2009, 02:37 PM
by
Microsoft Canada Co.
"I know it's an unrealistic dream to think guns will ever disappear in this neighbourhood as a result of our work at the ProTech Centre. And while we can't offer a solution to end the violence on the streets, we can offer a safe place for local youth - a place where they can learn new skills and feel positively connected to their neighbourhood."
Melodie Downey is the first to admit she was 'flying-by-the-seat-of-her-pants' when she opened the Rexdale ProTech Media Centre in the summer of 2007. This was a new initiative, in one of the 13 Priority Neighbourhoods identified in Toronto Mayor David Miller's Community Safety Plan, and she knew there was a lot at stake.
More than a year later, Melodie is soaring on the success of the centre. Since opening in July 2007, she has registered 1069 members and managed more than 9,607 repeat visits from local youth.
Melodie had a big mandate. Toronto's City Council has identified certain areas in the city as being in need of focused support and investment. Her community of Rexdale is one of them.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is the operator of the Media Centre and, together with, Microsoft Canada, Humber College, Toronto Community Housing Corporation, the City of Toronto, and community groups have developed a safe, nurturing and structured environment where youth have access to a range of new media technologies.
"It's an environment of respect," explains Melodie. "The young people who come here understand this is a place where they can better themselves by learning new multi-media skills and life lessons. That's a huge opportunity for these kids."
Want to learn how to create a music video? Then you can sign-up for the 'Can U Bring It?' workshop. In 'R U 4 Reel?' more than 40 youth mastered the art of movie making, and each week members get the chance to produce a news broadcast for 'ProTech TV.'
Rather than hanging out in the streets, many youth in Rexdale are hanging around the Media Centre. Workshops expose members to skills required to be a director, set designer, special effects artist, graphic designer or script writer. A recent week-long exchange to BC and local YMCA camps also provided opportunities beyond these kids' normal experiences.
"Melodie and her team are creating life altering experiences for these kids," says Gavin Thompson, Director of Citizenship Microsoft Canada. "Because of her commitment and passion, at-risk youth have a safe place to go each day. "
Even Melodie is amazed at the positive impact the Centre has had on members. "They have more self confidence, are less fearful of new experiences and grasp new media almost instantaneously.
Melodie may not be able to stop the violence in her neighbourhood but she is making a difference in the lives of Toronto youth.
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