Friday, March 20, 2009

Buying a Piece of Paradise - Real Estate in Costa Rica


It certainly looks like paradise – miles of unspoiled beaches, tropical rain forests, quiet fishing villages, beachfront villas and luxury condos. It's hardly a surprise that Costa Rica real estate has quickly become one of the hottest spots for both investment property and vacation homes.Costa Rica whose name aptly means rich coast has many advantages to offer. This small country of around 4 million people is just a few hours flying time from many parts of the United States, and several US airlines offer direct flights. The country boasts a strong economy, a stable government and surprisingly good schools and medical facilities. Because of its excellent standard of living, Costa Rica is sometimes called "the Switzerland of Central America".Despite the real estate boom, housing in Costa Rica is still affordable compared to most parts of the United States. It's possible to buy a perfectly adequate family home in a decent neighborhood for less than $100,000 – compared to the US where the average cost of a home is now around $230,000. Rentals and short term accommodation are relatively inexpensive too a typical family rental house can be rented for under $500 a month; a larger home or a luxury house or condo rents for as little as $1000 a month.As an investment, Costa Rica real estate is hard to beat. Some properties have increased in value almost ten times over the last decade, a trend likely to continue. Beachfront property in particular is a safe investment because of the constant high demand. Luxury beachfront properties – still one of the most sought after investments in Costa Rica – can be purchased for significantly less than in the United States. If you are looking for a beachfront home, houses on the Caribbean coast are generally less expensive than those on the Pacific coast.Purchasing a home in Costa Rica is a relatively straightforward experience. There are virtually no restrictions on owning private land and foreign citizens have the same rights as citizens of the country. Purchasing and owning a piece of land can be accomplished without having a presence in the country.Financing is readily available from private and public banks for homes in the country, although you usually have to become a resident. Foreigners may also use the pre-tax IRAs from the US to purchase property a procedure that is both acceptable and perfectly legal. Property taxes are low in Costa Rica, varying from 0.5% to 1.5% of the total property value.And if you are thinking of living in your investment, Costa Rica real estateRica has one of the highest standards of living in Latin America. The capital, San Jose is among the least expensive capital cities in the world, and costs tend to decrease the further away you get from San Jose. Basic utilities such as electricity and water are inexpensive and heating isn't generally needed because of the warm climate the year round average temperature is 76 degrees. Entertainment, groceries and dining out are all cheap by US standards, and public transportation is efficient and affordable. And a gallon of gas costs around $2 one of the lowest rates in the Americas.Investing in real estate can be a risky business. Whereas nothing is guaranteed, the Costa Rica housing market shows no real signs of slowing down. Grab that secluded beachfront property while you can there are only so many to go around!

Real Estate Development Opportunities in Costa Rica


A profitable area for real estate investment in Central America today is Costa Rica. With the upsurge of tourism in the country, Costa Rica real estate is experiencing a strong and balanced economic boom. Throughout the county, there is an increase in the amount of real estate in Costa Rica including high class residential condominium projects, exclusive beachfront villas, and mushrooming serene upper class communities which are results of a stable and rapidly growing real estate market. Those who believed and invested their money particularly in the Costa Rica real estate market see constant yields and enormous profits.One area that has grown immensely in Costa Rica’s real estate market is the province of Guanacaste. As a rising commercial hub, it represents some of the biggest real estate investments in all of Costa Rica real estate. This increase is in result of a growth in tourism over recent years. A huge capital infused by hotel tycoons for the construction of a first class hotel edifice within the vicinity propelled the economic boosts for the province. Since this project was completed, the tourism and real estate property activity have become very active therefore creating a trend of new opportunities and giving confidence to other investors to place their money in the real estate market in this part of Costa Rica. The province had the largest gains in real estate investments in 2006.With the increasing number of residential and commercial projects in this area of Costa Rica comes the creation of new services and enterprises in the country. Constructions of commercial centers, corporate business offices including law and accounting offices, real estate agencies, commercial banks, just to mention a few are some of the business and real estate investment opportunities born out of the continued growth of tourism in Costa Rica.Costa Rica real estate is an excellent option for people seeking to invest in property or a retirement home due to the rising cost of real estate in Europe and North America. In comparison to European markets and particularly in the U.S., Costa Rica on the average is cheaper by 70% and recently, real estate values have been tripling in the last few years. Lately real estate investment advisors in Costa Rica disclosed that as more and more people discover Costa Rica, the potential for growth is tremendous.With the signs of Costa Rica’s growing economy, stable real estate market, promising yields and absolute return of your investments, where you place your investments in Costa Rica should be the least of your worries. To capitalize on Costa Rica’s real estate investment opportunities, timing is now of the essence. By delaying any longer, you will feel like you are losing out on positive real estate investment opportunities.For more resources about Costa Rica real estate or even about real estate Costa Rica and even about Canas Dulces Costa Rica real estate please review these links.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Costa Rica Real Estate Agents – Jaco Real Estate Agents


Our planet is covered with thousands of miles of beautiful, breathtaking ocean views that simply seem surreal to the naked eye. Sandy shores with coastal breezes and soothing sunbeams shine down, surely melting all cares away. Millions of people enjoy beaches on a daily basis, but few are as enjoyable as those found in Costa Rica. Known for its beautiful, tropical views and vibrant people, it’s no wonder as to why more and more people are finding themselves researching Costa Rica real Estate and taking up a more permanent residence in this Central American gem.First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, Costa Rica is bordered between Nicaragua and Panama with most of its coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Included in the Ring of Fire, Costa Rica boasts numerous volcanoes as well as a vast array of glorious waterfalls set within lush greenery and wildlife. For this reason, many tourists find themselves flocking to Costa Rica in an effort to enjoy some of our planet’s most spectacular and untouched natural sights. Tapanti National Park is one of the more popular nature sites in Costa Rica, with multiple waterfalls dropping down from the cliffs of the Talamanca Range. But not just a place for site seeing, Costa Rica real Estate has also become extremely popular for its nightlife as well. Popular restaurants with native tastes are littered throughout urban areas while popular dance clubs and casinos attract locals and vacationers alike year round.Along with its beautiful inland scenery, exotic nightlife and casinos, Costa Rica is home to some of the most amazing beaches in the world. One of the most popular and sought after beach destinations in Costa Rica are found in Jaco. Just a 1.5 hour drive from San Jose, Jaco, Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular surfing locations. Surfing enthusiasts flock form all across the globe to take in the challenging breaks and pipes that Jaco’s beaches have to offer. After a long day of catching waves, visitors take in delicious coastal dishes and enjoy the local casinos, cantinas and dance clubs that are found throughout. Jaco real estate is increasingly in demand, and it really is no surprise as to why.For all of its shear beauty, Costa Rica is certainly a hot spot that should be enjoyed by all. With a vibrant nightlife and spectacular beach scenery, the country of Costa Rica provides its people with a home that is run deep with culture and a burning fire to grow and flourish. More and more people everyday are becoming interested in Costa Rica real Estate. Even those who have never touched a surf board find themselves taking an increasing notice in Jaco real estate, too. No matter what someone’s desires might be, there is certainly no argument that Costa Rica is a place of glorious beauty and sanctuary rarely found anywhere else on the planet.

Real Estate, Costa Rica Real Estate


Thousands of people every year buy real estate. Costa Rica real estate is becoming more and more popular among those who want a true luxury experience from their purchase. Properties here can include some of the most amazing features available. Couple the beautiful property with the stunning environment and it is clear the true value of this real estate. Costa Rica real estate provides buyer with the absolute best properties available for their money.The features and amenities of a property are most important when you buy real estate. Costa Rica real estate gives owners the best options possible for luxury and relaxation. From luxurious bathrooms to spacious kitchens with the latest in appliances, the homes have everything a buyer could ask for. Residents also have access to private spas and restaurants, along with concierge service to help them with any requests or concerns. Cerro Fresco provides all of these features to its homeowners and residents, giving them an ultimate luxury lifestyle, fit for a celebrity.Take a walk outdoors and see the beauty of your newly purchased real estate. Costa Rica real estate is nestled among the most awe-inspiring scenery, anywhere in the world. From the pristine shoreline with its crystal clear water to the majestic mountains and exotic rainforests, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s sanctuary. Choosing to purchase a home here is like owning your own piece of paradise on earth.In order to find all of these features in one piece of real estate, Costa Rica real estate buyers should visit CerroFresco.com. These remarkable property features are just the tip of the iceberg, regarding what you can get from your property, should you purchase a home here. You can see firsthand views of the properties and landscape, making your decision to buy an easy one.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Why Business Men always like Escorts Girls more than their wives, especially Toronto Asian Escorts!


The world we live in is all about business. Business meetings, business transaction, everything is about making profit and living a better life. Not many people know this however, but a successful business man has a lot less time for himself.There are lots of activities that can be undertaken in someone's free time. These activities imply relaxation, which in turn allows the beneficiary to become a lot more resourceful and efficient, because after a relaxation period, the brain can work overtime.But what if there was a solution for combining some relaxation time with your business schedule? Given that there are places to go, people to see on a daily basis, what if you could take someone with you that can make you feel a lot better?High class Asian escorts now provide services that extend beyond just offering sexual pleasures. When you attend a business dinner, where lots of important figures lay their eyes on you, what will they think when you show up with beautiful high class Toronto Escort by your side? Improving your image is very important in the business world in Toronto and this is a solution within your grasp.High class oriental escorts are not the same as the prostitutes escort girls you find on the side of the road. They are sophisticated escort women with a good all-around education, which means they are able to engage in a conversation without embarrassing themselves or you.The first time you think about soliciting the services of high class Toronto Asian Escorts, you may be reluctant or shy, but rest assured that there are lots of people who do this every day. Why go to a dinner party alone when you can do this in the company of a Toronto Escorts? You won't be able to find something that grants more self confidence than the company of a beautiful escort woman.If you are wondering where you can find such escort services, the first thing you should consider is a source that provides international coverage. A Toronto Asian Escorts service is the best place where you can find women all over the world who want to be of service to you.One of the most reliable Toronto escort service can be found on the website TOED.ca and TOEO.ca You can also turn to newspapers or magazines to find what you are looking for, but there is nothing more comprehensive than a website to appease your curiosity.The website of this Toronto escort service gives you the chance to view a few snapshots of the women you could choose as an escort. Apart from the pictures you are able to see a short description of her, like which schools did she go to, what are the things she likes, what she can do in order to make you feel better and lots of other useful information.The amount of benefits provided by the Toronto escort service is huge. Their activities have been around for years and they have made a name for themselves in this line of business. This is one of the reasons why lots of businessmen have solicited the services of their high class Toronto Escorts.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Cleaning Services: Spending Less on a Cleaner Home & Office

With the busy schedule of modern individuals, it is becoming hard to still have time for cleaning of houses thoroughly. Some just manage to live in a house with walls full of finger and splash marks and dirty windows and carpets, while some could not take to stay in an unclean environment, providing sufficient reason for companies that offer cleaning services to exist and continuously grow in number.

These agencies such as the los angeles house cleaning service provide personalized, thorough and efficient cleaning service that would cater to their clients’ specific needs and requirements. In order for this quality of cleaning service to be ensured, cleaning service makes sure that their agents are well-trained, giving them proper training and knowledge on the appropriate ways of cleaning and handling appliances and equipments in all kinds of establishments such as educational institutions, general business offices, hospitals and private residences. Aside from the proper training these companies require their agents to have, they are also taught to be punctual and respectful, not only of their clients, but also of the properties inside the facilities they are assigned to clean, ensuring a harmonious connection between these companies and their customers.

Further, cleaning services should be versatile because establishments have different kinds of needs and it is essential for commercial cleaning companies such as the cleaning service to comply with the demands of their clients. Their satisfaction should be the ultimate goal because as the cliché goes, the consumers are the ones who keep a business facility alive. The key to success in the cleaning service business is to consistently provide clients with a service that would allow them to save more money and spend less time in maintaining their homes or any other establishments.

The Best Cleaners In Orange county,Los Angeles county

Are you looking for an economical and efficient office or building los angeles house cleaning service in Orange County & Los Angeles County. All Solutions Cleaning Service offers full cleaning of floors, windows, and carpets in commercial spaces and complexes.

The janitorial business has been steadily growing as corporations and organizations have welcomed the idea of outsourcing cleaning professionals instead of hiring them directly. This way, executives and managers are spared the recruitment processes and other untowardly incidents, say, a housekeeping mishap brought about by untrustworthy personnel, and could instead focus their full attention to their main operations.

All Solutions cleaning services in Orange County & los angeles has established itself among competitors and is being constantly called upon by small, medium, and large enterprises. The company, which is actually an independent cleaning outfit in the Orange County region, is licensed and insured so you could be sure that you would get your money’s worth.. It is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Their scope covers both residential and commercial jobs. They also take on household maintenance and repairs as well as gardening services. They guarantee a worry-free household keeping management with the help of skilled handymen available round the clock. Requests for additional facilities like ramps or raised toilets are also included in their specialty. Call them now to get a free estimate.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Toronto Asian Escorts Toronto Escorts agency - Hot Young Cute Asian Chicks



If you choose to call something dark, indulging, gratifying and sinful a perfect heaven, Toronto asian escorts are now here to bring heaven on earth. The most enthusiastic of the beauties, these hot and indulgent Toronto escorts, some of them Toronto student escorts bring immense please to their clientele with their deeply personalized and discreet services. Toronto Asian escort are simply fabulous with a blend of professionalism and personal touch. The girlfriend like experience and the emotional bonding that the Toronto escorts offer is unparallel and unimaginable. They can certainly grab your attention and bring a unique thrill in your glands. The hot Toronto Asian escorts have stunning figures, with a variety of complexions ranging from significantly fair to a tanned and ebony like.The gratifying experience- A closer look at these Toronto escortsThese Toronto Asian escorts offer highly personal services in an enthusiastic manner that can melt your heart and take you to a new high. They are confident, young, charming and are highly vibrant and zealous. If it is a customized choice that you have, you can choose from, tall, Asian, tanned, sexy, sporty, naughty, models, celebrities, high profile escorts, elite and many more appealing brunettes. Gifted with a sexy body, you will for sure love being with them. An energetic smile and a busty figure perfectly blend with each other. You can enjoy elegance and eminence and enjoy the most satisfactory companionship with the Toronto Asian escorts and the Toronto escorts assortment here.How to avail the services of Toronto Asian escortTo avail these entertainment and companionship services, you can look at the website of these independent Toronto escorts or the classifieds and contact the respective persons for these completely legal services. These Toronto escorts are of high quality, well spoken and empathizing and have a fair idea of their expectations from the clientele of all types. The agencies with whom the Toronto Asian escorts are registered have a unique and wide variety of Toronto escorts to choose from... Toronto Asian escorts have a specific fee for their services and endeavor to make your day or night depending on incall or outcall service opted by you.Services you can enjoyYou are for sure here to get spoilt with their highly indulgent services. You can go hand in hand with the Toronto escorts around the city. A candle light dinner can be highly romantic and a cruise experience can take you to the seventh heaven. Toronto escorts come for parties, night clubs, dining, fetish, concerts, conversation, salsa floors, etc. However, some of the bodily services by the Toronto escorts include hot massages, erotic sex chats, video chats, peep shows, direct body entertainment and creative sexual or bodily entertainment. These services are here to offer you fun and rejuvenation. You can also relax your senses with the Toronto escorts around. These Toronto escorts also provide Business Company and the hot Toronto Asian escorts are highly demanded by the clients. ]Canada asian escorts are here to make your day refreshing and memorable.

Jaco Beach Costa Rica Real Estate

One of the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica to buy real estate is the Jaco Beach area. Even though it is breathtakingly beautiful, there are still plenty of opportunities to find and buy Jaco Beach Costa Rica real estate, regardless of what you're in the market for.In addition, almost all Jaco Beach, Costa Rica real estate is fairly close to the San Jose area, so you would be able to have all the amenities of San Jose, without actually living in the big city. In addition to its beauty, there are also numerous opportunities to sunbathe, swim, fish, surf, or even just eat at restaurants, which can range from fine dining to average, everyday food. Whatever you decide to do in your spare time, it is almost a guarantee that it will be leisurely and relaxing.Another attractive amenity to those looking at Jaco Beach, Costa Rica real estate might be the fact that there is legal gambling on the island. Not that you have to gamble if you live there, but some might find it to be an attractive part of the area.Of course, even if you are just looking for a beautiful, peaceful area to buy real estate, Jaco Beach, Costa Rica real estate might be just what you are looking for. There are plenty of reasons to buy there, one of them being the simple beauty of the area. If you do not like the tourist traffic, which is not quite as high as in San Jose, you simply would just avoid them and not deal with them.If you are in the market, it would be wise to visit the area and take a look at what types of Jaco Beach, Costa Rica real estate are available. Another great place to look, should you be unable to visit, is at CerroFresco.com, where you can find the best in luxury properties, right in Jaco Beach. It might even be love at first sight, and you'll never want to live anywhere else!

Investing in Costa Rica Real Estate

Real estate has always been one of the safest and often lucrative investments and many people are discovering the great opportunities available for investing in Costa Rica real estate. People want to put their money in a stable nation with a vibrant economy and investing in Costa Rica real estate provides just what people are looking for. There is prime property available at good prices and it is being offered now to international investors.One example is property near Jaco which is a city along the Central Pacific Coast. There is property with great ocean views in one direction and the majestic highlands in the other direction. It is not only a great place for investing in Costa Rica real estate, but a wonderful location to have a vacation home or a place to retire to.One of the outstanding sites being discovered by individuals interested in investing in Costa Rica real estate. is a resort community known as Cerro Fresco. A visit to the website at ] provides a look at the bungalows that are available. They properties are nestled right near some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and are just a short distance from the highlands.The city of Jaco is nearby with its wonderful shopping and entertainment opportunities. People interested in investing in cost rica real estate are also attracted by the amenities offered right on site such as a spa, a top restaurant, and concierge service. It is one of the most attractive locations in the country and provides an opportunity for investing in Costa Rica real estate. that I unmatched. The property in this area will only appreciate in value and so the purchase of real estate in the Jaco area provides the stability that people desire when placing their money in real estate.

Monday, July 28, 2008

A black student's view on racism at York University

Well what a surprise, once again at York University (one of schools in Canadian University Guide 2008) some jackass wrote racist anti black slurs at the Black Student Office. Some people think Toronto Canada is a multicultural paradise and this is pure mythology. The pernicious racism against black people is in full force in the city of Toronto!

I don’t know if you already know this but I am an alumni at York University. I know York University and the politics of the administration. The concerns of black students are ignored by the people in charge of the university. The apathetic attitude of York University towards the concerns of black people is not surprising either.

Why did it take the president of York University Mamdouh Shoukri two days to respond? Would Shoukri wait two days to respond to the Jews? There should of been an immediate response by the president of York University. The delayed response is only an example of the friction between the racist York administration and black students. Shoukri’s delayed response is pathetic. If the racist incident was against the Jews at York University there would of been an immediate response. York University is Jew central so the concerns of the Jews are placed ahead of blacks and other minorities. The bias the York University administration (the same as in many other top Canada's universities and academic programs) has for the Jews is simply incredible. Yet there is also an invisible code that exists that York University that you cannot speak out about the administration’s blatant racist anti black prejudices. However, when racism takes place against black people the York University administration’s attitude is of silence, prejudice, and apathy. Everyone knows at York University there is a racial hierarchy and basically the Jews are on the top because the Jews run York University.

Many Canada's universities including York University has a history of racism against black people. The racist incident at the black student office is not a surprise and the slow response of the York University administration isn’t shocking either. It is just typical York University politics.

I graduated with a B.A. degree in June 2004. When I return to university to complete a second degree I know I am skipping York University. York University is anti black everyone knows this. I know York very well and one of the problems I have had with the York University administration is their racist biases attitudes against the concerns of black students. Why wasn’t there any security cameras that actually work by the black student office? York University cannot cry poverty York makes millions of dollars from tuition fees, from private investors, and from the government.

York University also has a history of violent sexual assault attacks against women. The York University security service is pathetic and just plain garbage. I cannot be more honest then that. How can the third largest university in Canada not have security cameras that actually work in specific areas around campus? Now the people that wrote the racist anti black remarks are just going to get away with it. The culprits will never be caught.

The racist anti black incident highlights a serious issue about the hypocrisy of the York University administration and it's university academic programs in relation to racism against black people. York University has a history of racism against blacks. In the year 1992 white security guards asked only black students for identification cards. There was a major uproar on the campus back then over sixteen years ago.

I have encountered racism at York University because I dared to challenge white supremacy. In December 2002 I wrote a groundbreaking explosive story “Whitewashed Black Studies” about employment discrimination at York University. My article was published in NOW Magazine. The article highlighted the fact in the year 2002 there were only 16 black professors out of 1248.Even though I informed my white history professor that my article was going to be published in NOW Magazine he attempted to sabotage and destroy me. Suddenly, my average in the history class dropped dramatically from a B average to a C average.

The attitude of the white male professor immediately changed and I knew that my article created a lot of controversy. I exposed York University for its racist hiring standards. I complained to the history department and passed the class. The history department found another professor to mark my assignments.

A few years ago when I was an undergraduate at York University I also encountered racism by a racist white female teaching assistant in another history class. I stood my ground and I complained and made my voice heard. There was no way I was going to make some racist bigots prevent me from graduating university. York University likes to pride itself as an anti racist university that is against racism. However, the lax and pathetic security system and services at York proves otherwise.

Education and Learning, for a Bright Future

Harvard has the the most black students among Ivy league schools


Harvard University (a top universities in the United States, see also best Canadian university programs) in Cambridge, MA, now has the largest percentage of Black students among the eight Ivy League universities, according to a study by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.

Harvard has a student body that is 7.2 percent Black. Yale and Columbia follow Harvard each with a student body that is 6.9 percent Black.

Brown University, where 5.7 percent of the students are Black, ranks fourth.

Cornell University has the lowest percentage of Black students among the Ivy League schools. Only 4.2 percent of all Cornell students are Black.

According to the Journal's survey, Harvard also ranks first among the Ivy League schools in the percentage increase of Black students since 1980. The percentage of the total Black student body at Harvard rose from 5.2 percent in 1980 to 7.2 percent today.

Yale, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania also saw increases in the 1980 to 1996 period, the Journal reported.

Education and Learning, for a Bright Future

Toronto school board considers separate school for black students

Creating an alternative school tailored to young black students in Toronto has ignited a passionate debate, pitting those who vehemently oppose segregating kids against others who say the current system is failing young black students and driving them into a life of crime.

The Toronto District School Board is exploring the idea of creating Ontario's first "African-centred alternative school," which would target students from kindergarten to Grade 8 and is holding community meetings to gauge reaction in the next few weeks. While many argue such a school would start the province on a dangerous and slippery slope, advocates say people have to realize the status quo isn't working.

"We're just spitting out more kids that are destined for failure," said Louis March of the African Canadian Heritage Association. "Fifty per cent of our kids are not getting through Grade 12 . . . These people don't have a fighting chance against anybody. (That's without any tutoring and special care, see Bay hill tutoring and SAT tutoring york region) The cards are stacked against them. Their way out is gangs, their way out is guns, their way out is drugs. With those choices, there is no turning back."Black-focused schools have been tried in Detroit and Philadelphia, with a similar concept enjoying some success in Canada's aboriginal community, and it's time Ontario gave it a shot, March said. "Let's get our heads out of the sand," he said. "Let's deal with the problem."

But the concept—a school with more black teachers, an exclusively black student body and a greater focus on black heritage—is eliciting strong reaction from many who call it a step in the wrong direction. "I don't think it's a good idea," Premier Dalton McGuinty said Tuesday. "I'm not personally comfortable with that."

Although McGuinty said it's up to the school board to decide at the end of the day, he said students are better off in diverse classrooms, learning side-by-side. "I think our shared responsibility—particularly in this magnificent, diverse society that we enjoy—is to look for ways to bring people together," McGuinty said. "One of the most important ways that we can bring our kids together is through publicly funded education. My preference is that we continue to find ways to bring our kids together."

Others didn't mince words, calling the idea segregationist and dangerous. Toronto school trustee Josh Matlow said the board has seen the dropout rates and heard from black students who feel they are being let down or persecuted by the system. The board could easily offer alternative programs targeted at black students that focus more on their heritage, history and iconic figures as a way of educating and engaging all students, he said. But separating students isn't the answer, Matlow said.

"I think it's a very dangerous direction to go in if we start creating schools based on race," he said. "I don't think that any public building, especially schools, should be anything but welcoming to every single kid in our system."

Harold Brathwaite, former director of the Peel District School Board, said he went through the same debate in the 1980s and the idea was ultimately rejected because there is no evidence to suggest separate black-focused schools work. "My fear is that the best students and the best teachers are not going to apply to go there," said Brathwaite, who is black. "We don't want to ghettoize our students. Unless this is carefully handled, it won't work." While Brathwaite said many black students may struggle and drop out of school (including being tutored in Bay hill preschool learning center), there are "a lot of black students who are successful as well."

Toronto city councillor Michael Thompson said he struggled in school as a youngster but made it through with the help of his mother and teachers. It's clear the school system has to do more to engage young black students, Thompson said.

But setting up separate schools is sending the wrong message, he said. "We talk about this whole distaste that we have for discrimination and segregation and yet we say here is a time when segregation is perfect," Thompson said. "I just don't want to travel down that road."

Education and Learning, for a Bright Future