People with disabilities face numerous challenges due to inaccessible environments, discrimination, and social exclusion. They also incur higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs and are more likely to live below the national poverty level. It is crucial to recognize that disabilities are not inherent personal flaws or medical conditions but are primarily the result of societal barriers. It is up… Read More »
The 2021 Census data showed that poverty rates in Toronto decreased for all age groups from 2015 to 2020. Notably, poverty among working-age adults was reduced by over seven percentage points during this period. Consequently, child poverty decreased significantly by almost 12 percentage points. Despite these encouraging survey results, low-income families, particularly mothers and new moms, still face… Read More »
The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to children in high-needs neighbourhoods in Toronto. Its purpose is to provide equal access to books for all children, thereby improving literacy rates and socioeconomic outcomes. They give away free books to children ages 0-18 at its two locations: Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park and 561 Sherbourne Street… Read More »
June marks Seniors Month in Ontario, a special time dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our elderly community members. This year’s theme, “Working for Seniors,” underscores the importance of programs and services designed to keep seniors fit, healthy, active, and engaged within their families, friends, and communities. Across the province, June will be filled with… Read More »
In Toronto, the number of people living in encampments or tents has more than doubled over the past year. As of March this year, over 200 tents were spread across the city, compared to around 85 in the same month last year. These encampments are set up in parks and other accessible public spaces. The number of camp… Read More »
Cryptocurrency, a digital form of currency or asset, operates on a decentralized network of numerous computers. Like traditional money, cryptocurrency serves as a medium of exchange for goods and services, with each transaction recorded in an online ledger using blockchain technology. The blockchain ensures secure payments without the need for intermediaries such as banks. In 2009, developer Satoshi… Read More »
Since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022, the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered significant global attention. ChatGPT, an AI system developed by OpenAI, operates differently from search engines, which retrieve internet links in response to user queries. Powered by large language models, ChatGPT generates responses that mimic human conversation. It is designed to… Read More »
“Zen” is derived from the word “Chan,” which comes from the Sanskrit term “dhayana,” meaning “meditation.” In Zen practice, zazen or meditation plays a central role that allows a practitioner to experience the so called “ultimate reality or the absolute.” It is a practice that encourages deep meditation and understanding of reality beyond conceptual thinking. Zen had a… Read More »
Education is a path to opportunity. It develops human talents and interests, as well as being a vehicle for equity and greater social inclusion. Access to quality education is not a privilege, but a human right. However, not everyone has this right, especially among the many people and children living around the dumps of Payatas and Smokey Mountain… Read More »
Many studies have shown that people who are on a plant-based diet have significantly improved their health and well-being compared to those who are not. Plant-based diet focuses on eating foods that are primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grain, legumes, and beans. A plant-based diet does not… Read More »