Harmony Movement’s diversity and equity programs have had a profound impact in the lives of students, teachers, parents, administrators and community groups across the GTA. Here’s what they have to say!

“All my life I have found that we work better together. That’s what the Harmony Movement is all about. I know and trust its leaders and am proud to support its direction.”

The late John Black Aird
Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

“At the beginning of the Harmony program I was kind of shy and didn’t really know why I was there. But I quickly found out that there was so much to learn about diversity, and about the true meaning of leadership. I think that the Harmony Movement made me a better person.”

Grade 7 Student, Highland Junior High School
Toronto District School Board

“The relevance of topics discussed in Harmony’s workshops, along with the use of scenarios, group discussions, and video clips…no doubt have a concrete effect on the youth who take part.”

Troy Patrick
Youth Worker, Northwest Scarborough Youth Centre

“Parents [have] approached me and remarked that they had seen their daughter/son develop new friendships along with a new confidence spawned from the training they had received and the presentations they had made.”

Michael McCarthy
Guidance Counsellor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel CSS
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

“Joining Harmony has made me more confident because it taught me that I matter.”

Grade 8 Student, McCrimmon Middle School
Peel District School Board

“The practical manner in which students learn about cultural proficiency, respect and empowerment is truly innovative and I know of no other programme in the province that is doing this kind of social justice work.”

Chistopher D’souza
Former Equity and Diversity Officer, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board

“Before Harmony I thought I was a pretty good person. I didn’t think I was prejudiced towards others and I didn’t know stereotypes existed in me…I found that I had a bit of each of them in me.”

Grade 12 Student, Anderson CVI
Durham District School Board

“The Harmony Movement doesn’t offer a magic pill that changes your school overnight; it does better than that – it gives students the skills and the passion to work toward long-term, sustainable change. It empowers students to see, name, and speak out against oppression in all its complex and interwoven forms.”

James Campbell
Teacher, University of Toronto Schools

“I like the Harmony program because it taught me a lot of things I never knew before. It taught me to appreciate people for who they are, not what they are.”

Grade 5 Student, Toronto Heschel School

“My experience with Harmony Movement has opened doors of opportunity for students and staff, while also creating new connections for the school…We don’t give up because we have a partner such as Harmony Movement that not only supports and encourages us, but also provides crucial leadership and direction.”

John Morrison
Principal, Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute
Durham District School Board

“I was immediately captured by the program’s ability to allow me to make a difference in my community.”

Grade 11 Student, Middlefield Collegiate Institute
York Region District School Board

“I have always felt that I could stand up for myself, but Harmony has made me able to stand up for others.”

Grade 10 Student, Father Michael McGivney CSS
York Catholic District School Board

“The Harmony Movement program is dynamic, very interactive and very effective. The trainers are knowledgeable, interesting and very approachable by students, parents, and staff…There is no doubt in my mind or that of my staff and community that the impact of The Harmony Movement on our school learning environment and community has been an exceptionally positive one.”

Michael Tagliaferri
Principal, Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School
Dufferin-Peel District School Board

“Every session opened my eyes…the activities were so engaging and really put you into situations that helped provoke thought.”

Grade 11 Student, A.Y. Jackson Secondary School
Toronto District School Board

“I have learned to speak out against what I feel is wrong in a positive and effective way.”

Grade 10 Student, Dunbarton High School
Durham District School Board

“Harmony Movement provides a much needed and valuable service to the community. Each individual they are able to reach is one more young person that can now go out into the world with a better understanding and genuine acceptable for the diversity that surrounds them.”

Richard Lue
Employment Counsellor, Toronto Youth Job Corps