By Frederick Halley

TWENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD Kareem South is a man on a mission. Despite his unsuccessful attempt to emerge victorious as a Trustee in Ward 17 for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to advocate for the needs of students and residents in Scarborough Centre, an ecstatic South still feels it’s a win for the young people of Scarborough.

As is customary for most contestants in the Ontario Municipal elections, South was in a celebratory mood as he mingled with relatives, friends, members of his campaign team and special invitees awaiting the results on election night at the popular Starlite Family Restaurant, Scarborough, owned by Guyanese Albert Ramcharran.

Echoing that “this is a win for us, a win for Scarborough and a win for young people who have been marginalised across the world”, South, whose mother is Guyanese and father Jamaican, declared, “This will not stop here, you will see me again.”

Reflecting on what he described as a journey, South said, “I am grateful to have connected with so many people who share the same passion for empowering our youth and reimagining the future of education. I am especially thankful for my support system — my family, friends, and colleagues who generously devoted their time and resources to see our vision come to fruition.  This moment has inspired me more than ever to be the voice and advocate that our community needs.  I am committed to continuing building on the foundation that we’ve laid to make sure that our young people can reach their full individual potential and no longer fall through the cracks of our education system.”

South disclosed that he plans to stay connected with the school board while “utilising my platform to advocate and speak on the challenges and opportunities that can lead to the growth and betterment of our community.”

The ebullient South said his advice to young people is “to take time to reflect and ask questions. We all have a purpose and value to bring in our communities, schools, and the world around us. There are mentors and leaders that can help guide you when you are willing to ask questions and strive to make a difference.  Whatever it is you do, continue to let your light shine and stay the course — good things will come!”

During a rigorous campaign, which culminated with the Municipal elections on October 24, South vowed that his goal was to represent the community’s values and to ensure that no student falls through the cracks of the public education system.

According to South’s slate, once elected as TDSB trustee, he was committed to:
* Amplifying student voices and putting their needs at the heart of decision-making at the school board
* Integrating mental health and wellbeing into every aspect of each student’s school experience
* Meaningfully engaging with students, parents, and the larger school community to ensure our students have the adequate resources and support to succeed
* Identifying the structural issues that could negatively impact student achievement and wellbeing
* Fostering safe learning and working spaces for all
* Increasing sports and extracurricular programmes that centre inclusion and belonging.

Among those who endorsed South was MPP of Scarborough Centre, David Smith, who said: “Kareem South will be a great advocate for the students of Scarborough Centre. Kareem is an active and contributing member of the community who is determined to get the job done and enrich the lives of those around him. A principled man with a strong work ethic and commitment to public education, there is no candidate more qualified than Kareem South to take on the trustee position in Ward 17.”

A long-time resident and active community member of Scarborough, South pursued his Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of California-Berkeley and has dedicated his efforts to work with individuals and organisations that prioritise building community engagement and creating better opportunities for youth.
By virtue of his experience, personal attributes and values, he exemplifies the compassion and leadership required to champion the community’s concerns and solve the education system’s pressing issues.

As a mental health professional and advocate, having contributed to the development of Canada’s first nationwide virtual mental health portal — Wellness Together Canada.
He also serves as a community organiser and has worked with organisations like Toronto Community Housing and TAIBU to provide mentoring and wellness support to youth in Scarborough.

Kareem believes there is no greater privilege than to give back to the community that has given him so much opportunity. Since returning from studying abroad, he has dedicated his efforts to enriching young people’s lives and is committed to addressing the gaps in student wellbeing and achievement at the TDSB.

A proud mother, Dilorice South, who hails from Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway but migrated to Canada in 1978, spoke highly of her son, pointing out that his hard work and dedication were bearing fruit.

According to Dilorice, who is also the author of “7 Missteps Made by Entrepreneurs,” she recently completed a Talk Show on the National Communications Network (NCN) in Guyana.
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