The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on youth and communities around the world. The pandemic has caused widespread job losses, reductions in hours, and changes in the types of jobs available, which have made it more difficult for many young people to access and maintain employment. The economic impact of the pandemic has also heightened existing social and economic inequalities, exacerbating the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and in our community, particularly African Nova Scotians youth.

Moreover, the systemic racism that exists in society has also continued to be a major barrier for many African Nova Scotia youth – accessing education, employment, and other opportunities. This racism often manifests itself in the form of implicit bias, discrimination, and other forms of prejudice, which can create significant obstacles for young people and limit their
ability to reach their full potential.

Project 561 has been working to respond to the challenges faced by African Nova Scotian youth throughout the pandemic. Our focus has continued to be generating solutions by placing the
needs of those we serve first. Throughout the pandemic, we have tried to maintain agility, flexibility and adaptability in our response to changing circumstances and to be able to
provide support in creative and innovative ways.