Welcome to MOtIVAtE

This movement is led by immigrant mothers to ensure every family in the TDSB feels informed, included, and empowered from day one.

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About MOtIVAtE

Since launching in 2024, CultureLink’s Mothers’ on Initiating the Vote and Equity (MOtIVAtE) Project has worked closely with 80 immigrant mothers across Toronto to center their voices and highlight the barriers they face in supporting their children at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The MOtIVAtE project centers the voice of immigrant mothers through their lived experiences. From this work, the participants have developed a motion to the TDSB calling for reduced barriers for immigrant parents to participate in their child’s education.

The women identified:

  • Lack of clear information
  • Inconsistent communication from schools
  • Limited knowledge of available resources
  • Difficult accessing support for children with exceptional needs

As these are not isolated experiences – they are systemic issues that demand systemic solutions.

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Statement from CultureLink's CEO

“Attending the opening of the Women of Courage project at Todmorden Mills was a moving experience from both the perspective as CultureLink’s CEO and as a racialized immigrant women myself. It was a powerful opportunity for us to reflect on our shared experiences and the emotions brought forth – a way to establish connections. 

I could relate to many of the stories and believe the feelings expressed are universal, crossing the boundaries of time and place, despite coming from different backgrounds.  In some way, we are all these women.  In the gallery, I saw how these stories sparked both conversation and reflection.

My feeling is this project has made an impact and a difference; hearing the stories, watching the videos, reading the narratives, and watching the women come together with a sense of confidence and purpose was emotional and touching. These are empowered women, bold and unapologetic women, connected women, women who are ready to face anything.  These really are Women of Courage.”

– Jemima Sabapathy, Chief Executive Officer