This summer, the group spent several afternoons in the kitchen trying nutritious recipes to support not only their physical health, but also their mental health. They’d choose a dish they wanted to eat, like pasta, and find a healthy version to learn to make and try. It was during these lessons that they discovered that there are ingredients, such as Red 40, that may be directly related to some mental health symptoms and emotions. 

Manufacturing, sales and branding were the other high priority focuses for the group of youth. They took the knowledge Markham had to share and ran with it, problem-solving and exploring what it can mean to be an entrepreneur.  

Youth exercised their creative muscles, drafting logos for a clothing line. They practiced using digital transfers, an iron, and heat press to create their items. They then rehearsed elevator pitches and selling points. Finally, they went door to door around their communities, sharing what they’d learned and their new products.  

“We use this part of the program to build up self-value, self-starting abilities, and grow awareness of alternative ways to generate revenue and resilience,” said Markham. 

In the next phases of the program the youth are looking forward to developing E-commerce websites, opening bank accounts, and learning about financial literacy.