At present, the OCDSB allocates resources to schools in the local area as a proportion of the number of students in the school as well as the programs offered by said school. This allocation tends to be fairly equal across the board. However the resources, primarily in the form of finances, tend to be sufficient only for basics such as teachers salaries, and some specialized programs, such as woodworking or home economics.
As a result, if a school wants any real additional funding designating for technology, electronics, sports, music, or educational field trips for the students, the parents of the school are left with no choice but to fundraise.
This is one of the fundamental causes of inequalities in funding for schools across varying geographical areas. In higher income neighbourhoods, parents tend to have the facilities, time and resources required to put into fundraising for their children’s schools. In lower income neighbourhoods, parents have less access to facilities and resources and also have less time that they are able to commit to fundraising for their children. We can often see these disparities further magnified in areas that have affordable housing or high new immigrant populations.
The ideal solution would be to have mixed income neighbourhoods, that would allow for an equal distribution of funds across all schools. Given that this is not a viable option, we must consider the alternatives. On the plus side, this disparity makes it relatively easy for us to identify and target schools that require assistance in raising funds for resources. As of today we have been in contact with Alta Vista, Vanier, Gloucester and Blackburn Hamlet and hope to start making a difference in the access that their students have very soon.
Our website now has a feature called ‘Share Your Story’ under the ‘More’ tab of the menu. Feel free to share your own stories or suggestions with us there so that we may reach underrepresented voices!
We see the gap between students that attend underserved schools and the students that don’t and our team would like to make as many strides as possible toward closing that gap.
Over the course of the academic year we plan on throwing a series of events and fundraisers whose proceeds will go toward equipment for disadvantaged secondary schools in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
Our very first event: ‘Trivia Night’ took place on Thursday, October 29th! With the purchase of a ticket on Eventbrite, participants met on Google Meet and competed for. $50 gift card prize! The Halloween-themed trivia questions were tough but the contestants were tougher.
Overall the event was successful and all proceeds will be going toward students in need of support.
If you would like more information on future events like these, feel free to contact us via email or via direct message on our Instagram page @equalisci!
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