Above the Influence

Institution: University of Ottawa

Project Term: Winter 2023

Course Code: HSS4101

Group Members: Sara DiFrancesco, Chloe Bonell, Bukky Alausa, Camila Pereyra, Hiba Zafar

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Description: Our proposal is a peer-to-peer mentorship program for high school students, where Grade 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to be trained to use ConnexOntario as a system navigation tool that they can share with other students, as well as promoting mental health and safer substance use by hosting various activities within the school and in the community. The goal of our program is to increase health literacy around substance use and mental health. Additionally, we hope that our program will help to reduce the stigma associated with these topics and empower young people to reach out for help.

Personal Reflection:

Camila Pereyra: “Collaborating with CityStudio Ottawa allowed us to increase our scope of knowledge surrounding public health and program development. Academically, we were challenged to think outside of the box to find an innovative solution from a professional standpoint. Combining these two aspects made for an impactful project and inspired me to think bigger when considering my potential positive impact on the community.”

Community Partner: N/A

Community Partner - Mission: N/A