The project focuses to address the growing needs of the Somali youth in the Greater Toronto Area. The Goal of the project is to adopt an early prevention approach by promoting staying in school, getting involved in community recreation and sporting events and developing youth leaders who can act as role models for other Somali youth.
Some of the program activities are:
Annual Recognition Ceremony Award for young Somali youth
Trip camps during the Summer for youth and their families
Basketball and soccer activities and tournaments

School Lunch Program

This is a once a week program out of High Schools. This initiative is to promote collaboration between the schools and SOYAT, by providing the necessary youth support work on site at the schools. The Youth Support workers organize informational and employment workshop, career research and other activities.

Summer Camp

The camp offers the families a safe and structured environment where they are encouraged to have fun and build friendships. Our summer camps provide a safe and fun environment, where youth campers and their families and children can enjoy new activities and make new friends.

Youth Recognition awards

The Youth Recognition Awards seeks to motivate and inspire youth by profiling and celebrating the accomplishments of individuals who have achieved great heights or overcome numerous obstacles. The awards recognize Somali Canadian youth for their achievements in a variety of categories, ranging from academic and athletic excellence to community contributions. In addition, the awards recognize students who have prevailed over substantial barriers to achieve their goals and in doing so have set an example for the entire community.
Recreation and Sports Activities
Somali Youth Association of Toronto (SOYAT) is well known in the Somali community for its extensive involvement in shaping and illuminating the way to a positive future for many Somali youth in Toronto. Since its interception, SOYAT organized, participated, and contributed to many recreational events and programs for youth. All recreational programs are designed to be ethical, educational and enjoyable.

Horyaal Mentorship Program

Is a joint response that seeks to address the rising levels of violence and conflict in Toronto's Somali Community. This partnership between SOYAT, Kingsview Village School, Dixon Grove Junior Middle School and the North York Community House will create a community development approach to conflict resolution. The Goal of the project is to provide young Somali males and females with positive role models who are from their own community.

Asalaamu Alaykum Program

Assalamu Alaykum: "A Somali Community Response to Conflict" is a project that seeks to address rising levels of violence and conflict in Toronto's Somali community. This partnership project between the Somali Youth Association of Toronto (SOYAT) and the John Howard Society of Toronto has a created a community development approach to conflict that encompasses interpersonal, intra-communal and cross-cultural conflict address the need for the Somali community to adapt to their new home country.

Scouting Program

The goal of this intervention is to increase protective factors such as improved socialization and integration with community. In partnership with Toronto Community Housing Corporation and Scouts Canada, SOYAT will develop and pilot leadership training curriculum for low income, newcomer children ages 6-10 and their parents.

Community Kitchen

Community Kitchens. This program is designed to teach teamwork, leadership as well as learning to cook inexpensive meals. Programs are held for the Boys every Monday from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, and for the Girls every Wednesday from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

Conferences

Our Conferences are designed to Bridge the Gap between service users and community stake holders. SOYAT 's most recent Conferences were in April of 2004 on " Community Safety", and another one in January of 2005, on "Education and School Safety" Our Conferences are attended by The Toronto Police Services, The Toronto District School Board and other Community Serving agencies.

Employment Counseling

SOYAT with help from the city of Toronto's social Development and Administration Community and Neighborhood Services provide a Comprehensive Employment Centre. SOYAT believes in taking a holistic approach to meet the Employment needs of our Youth, that is why we provide;
Personal and Employment Counseling.
Resume and Interview preparation Workshops.
A Job Board along with computers to facilitate job searches.
Councilor to help youth achieve their employment goals.