"Believe that you can and you are halfway there."
-African Proverb

Good evening everyONE,

The Black Business Initiative is launching the Barrier Breakers Youth Program (BBYP). This Program is a 17-week paid workforce development initiative dedicated to empowering youth aged 15–30 across Atlantic Canada who face barriers to employment. Designed to build confidence, skills, and real-world experience, the program combines structured training with meaningful workplace opportunities.

Participants begin with three weeks of job-readiness training, where they develop essential professional and technical skills. This is followed by a 14-week paid work placement with employer partners, offering valuable hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

Upcoming program sessions will run from April 20 to August 14, and from August 10 to December 3.

Click the image below for more information.

Employment Opportunities:

  NEW  The Halifax regional municipality is hiring a Learning & Development Specialist. This position welcomes applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible. This permanent full-time position has an annual wage of $82,640-$103,305. The application deadline is April 14th. Click HERE to apply.

  NEW  The Nova Scotia’s Regional Center for Education is hiring to fill the French teaching position. This institution is actively working to hire individuals from under-represented groups, particularly people of African Nova Scotian, African Canadian and African ancestry and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous ancestry. This is a full-time casual position. The application deadline is April 20th. Click HERE to apply.

  NEW   Nova Scotia Health is hiring a  Community Home Visitor (Designated) for the Public Health Early Years team. This opportunity is open exclusively to applicants who self‑identify as African Nova Scotian, or other Black/African Descent. This temporary full‑time long‑assignment position (approximately 18 months) is based in the Northern Zone at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, with an hourly wage of $32.61–$38.81. The posting closes on April 9th, 2026. Click HERE to apply.

  NEW   Dalhousie University is hiring a  Recruitment and Outreach Manager. The university encourages applications from persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups. This full-time position has an annual wage of $61,491 - $82,262. The deadline to apply is April 15th. Click HERE to apply.

  NEW The Halifax Regional Municipality is hiring a Learning & Development Specialist. This position welcomes applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce. This permanent full-time position has an annual wage of $82,640-$103,305. The application deadline is April 14th. Click HERE to apply.

The phoenix youth program house is hiring a  Weekday Overnight Worker. This part-time permanent role encourage those interested to self-identify their ethnicity, and or race, gender, sexuality, ability. The annual wage for this position is $51,207. The application deadline is April 8th. Click HERE to apply.

Smooth BBQ & Smokehouse is opening May 8th in Cole Harbour and they’re building an incredible front-of-house team to match the energy. They’re currently looking for  Experienced servers (minimum 2 years) who thrive in a fast-paced environment and know how to deliver top-tier service. Serving experience is required. Bartending experience or Serve Right certification is a huge asset. You can expect: competitive wages + tips, a fun, fast-paced, team-driven environment, and the opportunity to be part of a brand new restaurant launch. Open until filled. Click HERE for more information.

   Nova Scotia Correctional Services is hiring a  Correctional Officer. This opportunity is designated to applicants that are and/or identify as an Indigenous Person, or African Nova Scotian. Application deadline May 28th. The hourly salary for this relief position is $29.29 - $35.91. Click HERE for more information.

  Health Association of African Canadians is urgently hiring a Project Coordinator to support the delivery of this community wellness initiative. This full-time role has an annual salary of $38,095.96–$65,260.73 a year. Start Date: As soon as possible. Click HERE for more information.

Glass Brothers Construction INC is actively recruiting for multiple roles. As part of their hiring process, they want to emphasize their dedication to inclusivity and diversity. Statement: "Our commitment goes beyond construction projects; it extends to fostering inclusivity, providing opportunities, and championing diversity."

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

1. Glass Brothers Construction is recruiting  Framers and Carpenters. This part‑time role offers an hourly wage of $25–$33, a Monday–Friday schedule, paid mileage, benefits, enhanced vacation, and opportunities for paid training and career progression. Candidates should bring 2–5+ years of carpentry or framing experience and be comfortable working independently and on‑site across multiple locations. Click HERE for more information

2. Glass Brothers Construction is recruiting  ICF Installers. This part‑time role offers an hourly wage of $25–$33, a Monday–Friday schedule, paid mileage, benefits, enhanced vacation, and opportunities for paid training and advancement. Applicants should have 2–5+ years of ICF installation experience and strong skills in site prep, block stacking, rebar, alignment, and bracing. Click HERE for more information

3. Glass Brothers Construction is recruiting  Labourer Apprentices. This part‑time role offers an hourly wage of $19–$25, a Monday–Friday schedule, paid mileage, benefits, enhanced vacation, and opportunities for paid training and career growth. Ideal candidates bring foundational construction knowledge and a willingness to learn ICF, carpentry, and framing. Click HERE for more information

  The Canada Games centre is hiring a Group fitness Instructor. This position has a salary range of $25.00–$34.00 per class. This position welcomes applications from those who self identify as African Nova Scotians, and racially visible persons. The deadline to apply is April 10th. Click HERE for more information.

  The North End Community Health Centre is hiring for two positions:

1. Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH) Registered Nurse. To ensure their organization represents the diverse people and communities they serve, this position is designated for individuals who identify as African Nova Scotian and/or people of African Descent. This casual position has an hourly salary of $40.55 - $49.99. This position will remain open until filled. Click HERE for more information.

2. Property Management Assistant . This full-time term position has an hourly salary range of $26.40. This position is designated for individuals who identify as African Nova Scotians and/or people of African Descent. Applications are open until filled. Click HERE for more information.

Programs, Events, Grants & Additional Opportunities:

NEW The delmore buddy daye learning institute has officially opened registration to the Africentric education conference. The 2026 Africentric Education Conference is a unique two-day gathering of Africentric community members, educators, changemakers, and global leaders. Through keynote presentations, wisdom circles, research presentations, and community-engaged sessions, the conference creates space to reflect, connect, and act. This conference will be held on May 28th and 29th at Mount Saint Vincent University, however not to worry if you cannot make it in person you can also register to attend online. Click HERE for more information.

NEW Apply for the Nova Scotia Youth Climate Summit. The Nova Scotia Youth Climate Summit brings together youth ages 14–24 from across the province for a full day of learning, activities, and discussion focused on preparing for the clean economy. This free event takes place on May 2, 2026, in Dartmouth and is open to young people living in Nova Scotia who are passionate about the environment. Participants will explore climate change impacts, learn how to take action in their communities, build communication skills, and discover employment pathways in the clean economy.

This opportunity prioritizes youth from groups such as Indigenous, Black or African Nova Scotian, Gaelic, Acadian or Francophone, 2SLGBTQQIA+, racialized youth, newcomers, youth with disabilities, and youth with lived experience of poverty or housing insecurity. All meals are provided, and participants will receive a welcome package with climate‑related resources and sustainable gifts.

Registration is opened and space is limited to 50 participants on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Click HERE for more information.

   Apply for the  Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program. The Black Youth Development and Mentorship Program introduces Black students in grades 11 and 12 to career options in government. The program is offered in the summer and provides 8-week, paid summer jobs (work experiences) for Black youth in grades 11 and 12 who are planning to attend university or college. This opportunity is designated for students with genealogical or ancestral connections to a historical African Nova Scotian (Black) community or identify as Afro-Caribbean. Students earn a salary, get real-world work experience, learn how government works and explore different jobs. Summer jobs start on 6 July 2026 and end on 28 August 2026. Click HERE for more information.

  Black Wellness Co-operative NS is working on expanding their Group fitness programs and are looking for instructors to lead adult classes in: Truro, Upper Hammonds Plains, Cape Breton, and Shelburne. These are designated roles focused on building consistent, community-based programming. Paid opportunity. Certification support available. 1 class/week commitment (12 weeks). Click HERE for more information.

  The Association of Black Social Workers are proud to announce the official opening of their Black Mental Health Clinic.  A space created to support healing, culturally grounded care, and wellness in our community. They are now accepting clients across Nova Scotia. To access services, call 1-855-732-1253 Ext. 1 (spots are limited). Click HERE for more information.

  Blk Women in Excellence has a couple opportunities:

1. BWIE’s 16-Week Start-Up Program is officially open and starts May 19, 2026. If you’re a Black woman in business, this space was created for you. Whether you’re just starting, have an idea, rebranding, or feel like you’re missing the fundamentals, this program will give you the structure, clarity, and support you need to build something real. This is a fully educational program designed to help you build a business that is sustainable and scalable. Spots are limited. Click HERE for more information.

Dalhousie University has several opportunities:

1. Promoting Leadership in health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) Prep Institute (PPI) is a post-secondary preparation program for Grade 10 -12 African Nova Scotian learners with a focus on skills development to prepare for success at university or college and ease the transition from high school. The institute will explore courses and programs available and associated careers, skills in leadership, time management, note taking, goal setting, and research and presentation skills. It will also include personal development, cultural and recreational activities. The PPI is for students completing Grades 10 - 12 in June 2026. PPI Camp Dates: July 5 - 9, 2026. Deadline April 24th. Click HERE for more information.

2. African Nova Scotian students from across Nova Scotia who are interested in a career in health are invited to apply for the Promoting Leadership in health for African Nova Scotians ANS Health Science Camp (HSC). The purpose of the camp is to increase interest in the health professions within the Black community. The camp will introduce youth to a variety of health professions through fun, hands-on and interactive programming. The camp will also consist of personal development, cultural and recreational activities such as African drumming, swimming and other outdoor activities. The African Nova Scotian Health Sciences summer camp is for students completing Grades 8 - 10 in June 2026. HSC camp Dates: July 11 - 16, 2026. Deadline April 24th. Click HERE for more information.

Health Association of African Canadian's has a couple opportunities:

1.The HAAC Board is inviting community members to step forward through a call for nominations ahead of their Annual General Meeting in June 2026. This is an opportunity for those who feel ready to take a more active role in the Association’s work or who are simply curious about what Board involvement entails to express their interest. By completing the HAAC Board Member Nomination Form, individuals can begin a conversation with the Association to learn more about the responsibilities, expectations, and impact of serving on the Board. Community members are encouraged to share this call widely with friends, family, and networks to help ensure a diverse and engaged pool of nominees. All submissions are requested by April 27. Click HERE for more information..

Anchor Youth Space – North End Halifax is a safe, inclusive space for youth aged 12–25 and their caregivers. Anchor is a welcoming, low-barrier space designed to support the health and wellbeing of youth and their caregivers in the North End of Halifax. No appointments needed. No fees. Just a space built for you open on evenings and weekends. Click HERE for more information.

BuildGreen Atlantic 2026 is expanding access to help bring more diverse voices and new talent into the green building industry. Join Atlantic Canada’s leading conference and tradeshow on sustainable, high-performance buildings April 27–28 at the Halifax Convention Centre. Through partnerships with organizations like Efficiency Nova Scotia, several registration promotions are available, including 90% off for students, $125 off for Young Women in Science, and $300 off for newcomers and equity-deserving groups. Participants will connect with industry leaders, attend expert-led sessions, explore innovative solutions at the tradeshow, and take part in optional pre-conference workshops and building tours. Use promo codes Student26, YWIS26, or ENS26 when registering. Click HERE for more information.

Scholarships & Bursaries:

NEW   The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation African Nova Scotian Student Bursary is now open. This bursary supports African Nova Scotian and Black students pursuing studies in a health-related field at a recognized post-secondary institution. One award of $8,000 is available and is renewable for up to four years. This initiative aims to strengthen cultural competency and representation within the healthcare system. The application deadline is May 15, 2026. Click HERE for more information.

  The Efficiency Nova Scotia Bright Futures Award is now live. Open to full and part-time students who will be enrolled in year 1 of eligible programs at any campus where the eligible programs are offered. One award will be designated for a student who's African Nova Scotian. Application deadline June 10th. Click HERE for more information.

The PREP Academy online  Scholarship Directory provides African Nova Scotian students access to a digital list of funding awards that can help support a student's education. Organizations can POST awards for students to access. Click HERE to access.

FREE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS

alongside

are providing support to people of African Descent in Nova Scotia with their Provincial Impact Toll Free Line . This includes mental health supports, social supports, education information and supports, public health COVID-19 information and supports, and much more! Call them, toll free @ 1-855-732-1253.

African Nova Scotian and Black youth across Canada deserve mental health and well-being support informed by their rich cultures and diverse lived experiences. RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone is a national, 24/7, bilingual E-Mental Health Support Service for Black youth. The service is free and available from coast to coast to coast. Click HERE for more information.

Nova Village NS is now offering FREE family (with youth up to the age of 19), couple, perinatal counselling and mental health assessments — available virtually or in person. This service is provided by a registered counselling therapist. In addition, there is a monthly peer support group for new moms and a 6-week mental wellness program.
Click HERE to learn more

The North End Community Health Centre offers mental health services through their PAUSE Mental Health program. They are open from 5 pm to 8 pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays for over the phone appointments, and Wednesday's for in-person appointments at 2131 Gottingen Street. Please call their toll free number (1-800-598-5270) at any time, and leave your name and phone number to be matched with a therapist.

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ANS Weekly Community Grapevine - April 7th 2026