INDOOR ACTIVITIES / LAINI
LAINI YOUTH
Mon, Tue, Wed
After School
A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership!
"Laini" is a Swahili word that means 'to flatten an area with the intent of making it accessible'. It is a very similar meaning to “Esplanade”, which is a flattened path for people to walk on by the water. Laini is about giving every young woman the confidence and tools to see themselves as leaders; it is about equal chances, and the ability for all to walk the path of leadership.
Register now to join Jamii's free leadership programs and activities for young women of The Esplanade!
CURRENT PROGRAM
WHEN
WHAT
WHERE
Treat your daughter to the opportunity of taking part in an exciting 16-week program inspired by the rich traditions of Latin American carnivals, a celebration of culture! Designed specifically for girls grades 2 to 8, LAINI’s workshops explore the energy and creativity of carnival traditions through dance, music, and costume-making.
Led by experienced artists Aline Morales (percussion and singing), Carolina Rojas (dance), and Shelly Ann McLeod (costume-making), these workshops will give your daughter the chance to:
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Learn Afro-Latin American dances, create choreography and perform in front of an audience
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Learn the basics of percussion instruments, write and sing songs, and perform in front of an audience
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Learn basic sewing skills and design and make colourful costumes that reflect the spirit of carnivals
Inspired by the lively carnival processions, filled with rhythm, movement, and themes of empowerment, this program will foster creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. Along the way, participants will develop artistic skills, build confidence, and discover how these traditions strengthen communities and celebrate diversity.
The program will conclude with a special community performance on Thursday, May 29th at 6pm, where your daughter will showcase everything she has learned. This is a unique opportunity for her to share the magic, colours, and joy of Latin America with friends, family, and neighbours.
Registration to the program is $10 per participant. Spaces are limited (up to 12 participants per workshop)—register now to secure your daughter’s spot in LAINI’s upcoming session!
CHOOSE WHAT YOU LOVE OR WHAT YOU'D LOVE TO TRY
(Register for one category per child):
PERCUSSION & SINGING:
Feb 3 to May 26 on Mondays – 5 pm to 6:30 pm with Aline Morales
(No session during March Break: March 10)
COSTUME MAKING:
Feb 4 to May 27 on Tuesdays – 4:30 pm to 6 pm with Shelly Ann McLeod
(No session during March Break: March 11)
DANCING:
Feb 5 to May 28 on Wednesdays – 4:30 pm to 6 pm with Carolina Rojas
(No session during March Break: March 13)
Rehearsal #1 for All Groups:
Wednesday, May 28 at 4:30 pm to 6 pm with all artists
Rehearsal #2 for All Groups:
Thursday, May 29 at 4:30 pm to 6 pm with all artists
Show Time for Parents:
Thursday, May 29 at 6 pm
LATIN AMERICAN CARNIVAL
For girls from grades 2 to 6 to learn percussion at a Latin American Carnival!
Started Feb 3
10 Canadian dollarsLoading availability...
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For girls from grades 2 to 6 to learn sewing for a Latin American Carnival!
Started Feb 4
10 Canadian dollarsLoading availability...
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For girls from grades 2 to 6 to learn dancing at a Latin American Carnival!
Started Feb 5
10 Canadian dollarsLoading availability...
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SUPPORTED BY
PAST WORKSHOPS
DRAMA WORKSHOPS
2024
JEWELLERY MAKING
2023
VIDEO SKILLS
2021
MUSIC WORKSHOPS
2024
LAINI LAND
2023
WISDOM RIPPLES
2021
HIP HOP WORKSHOPS
2023
LAINI MURAL
2023
STORYTELLING & SONGS
2021
VISUAL ART SERIES
2023
FASHION SHOW
2023
ILLUMINATED PERSPECTIVES
2021
How can you be part of Laini?
Creative Workshops & Projects
Ages: from 6 to 16yrs old
FREE TO PARTICIPATE
Jamii offers a wide range of artistic workshops for girls and young women of The Esplanade community to explore their creative skills and ignite their leadership.
Music, dance, visual arts, photography, creative writing and much more, there is something for everyone at Laini.
Would you like to register your daughter?
Research - Impact
Laini's impact
Read 2021 research.
Jamii is committed to assess its impact on the young women who participate in Laini activities and programming.
In both 2019 and 2021, we worked with Tanjin Ashraf on measuring the impact of Laini through a series of interviews and programme observations.
The findings of both reports are inspiring.
Volunteer hours for high school students
Ages: 14-18 yrs old
GET YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS
Are you looking for an opportunity to be involved in your community and make a difference?
Jamii always welcomes volunteers from the neighbourhood to be part of our team and help bring magic into The Esplanade. We would love to count you in! Volunteering with Jamii can contribute to High School Volunteer Hours for students.
Testimonies
What are past participants saying?
For years, Jamii has been engaging young women in its programming through volunteering opportunities, participating in creative workshops, and working within the organization.
Here is a series of testimonials that speak to the work we have already done.
Work Experience
for young adults
Ages: 19+
GET PAID
Gain working experience as a Summer Project Coordinator (Fledger) and start your career at Jamii!
Since 2017, we have been lucky to welcome talented young women through Canada Summer Jobs.
They have contributed to make the Summer seasons a success by bringing new perspectives, fresh ideas, passion and energy.
Be a Summer Project Coordinator.
What Zarita has to say:
The experience of Sharon Zarita with Jamii
"It is human nature to begin a journey with expectations of how it will turn up, but the past year has shown me life often offers paths that not even our wildest imaginations can anticipate. When I joined Jamii just after completing my postgraduate course in Arts Administration, my expectation was broadly to engage the Esplanade community through the arts. I had no idea what was to come."
LAINI is supported by
