North York, Ontario – November 27, 2025 – Afro Canadian Development Inc. (ACD) has received a generous grant support of $20,000 from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation to support our STEM Program for Children and Youth 2026. This marks the third consecutive year that TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has partnered with ACD, reaffirming its commitment to empowering underserved children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area by facilitating easy access to high-quality STEM education.
Since its launch in 2023, ACD’s STEM Program has become a cornerstone initiative for digital empowerment among marginalized communities. Through free weekly Coding and Robotics sessions, the program has provided more than 200 children and youth aged 6 to 18 with hands-on opportunities to learn skills in Scratch, Python, Dash and Arduino robotics. Delivered in collaboration with expert partners such as MakerKids and Ultimate Coders, the program is not only teaching technology – it is building confidence, curiosity, nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills that open pathways to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The renewed support from TELUS Friendly Future Foundation enables ACD to expand the program’s reach and impact in 2026, continuing to remove financial and digital barriers for children who aspire to thrive in the digital future. With this funding, ACD will provide year-round Coding and Robotics sessions, introduce home-learning laptop access, and offer coding software subscriptions for participants, ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners regardless of their economic background.
“We are deeply grateful to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation for believing in our mission and for standing beside us for three years in a row,” said Emmanuel Animodi, Director of Afro Canadian Development Inc. “Their continued investment not only fuels our programs but also transforms the futures of hundreds of children who might otherwise be left behind in Canada’s rapidly growing digital economy.”
Through the ongoing partnership, ACD has seen transformative outcomes: increased confidence among participants, greater interest in STEM-related fields, and measurable improvements in digital literacy. Parents report that their children are more motivated to pursue post-secondary studies in technology, while students express excitement about creating apps, games, and robotics projects that reflect their creativity and potential.
Yet, the need continues to grow. Many families in ACD’s communities still face barriers to digital inclusion – from lack of access to laptops to limited exposure to technology role models. Continued support from partners like TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is essential to close this digital divide and ensure that every child, regardless of background or income, can access the tools and training needed to thrive in the future workforce.
As ACD celebrates this continued partnership, the organization remains committed to its mission to promote equity, education, and empowerment for children and youth from all backgrounds. The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation’s commitment is a shining example of how corporate philanthropy and community action can come together to create meaningful, lasting change.
Please visit https://afrocanadiandevelopment.org/stem-program/ for more information on STEM Program and visit www.friendlyfuture.com for more information on TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.