The Afro-Caribbean Cotillion

The Afro-Caribbean Cotillion is a mentorship program that culminates into a formal ball at which young women and young men of African or Caribbean descent between the ages of 15-22 are presented to the greater community after training and guidance by mentors who are specialist in their field of mentorship. The vision of The Afro-Caribbean Cotillion is a modern combination of the African and Caribbean rites of passages and values creating a valuable and unique experience that emphasize positive social interaction, showing respect to others and increased self-confidence for young women and young men of African and Caribbean decent in an ever changing society. Our Mission
To ensure the provision of a formal mentorship program that will support the culturally relevant development of youth of Afro-Caribbean descent,

To provide programing that serves to elevate and educate youth of Afro-Caribbean descent. To provide a platform for youth of Afro-Caribbean descent to explore and gain an understanding of their individual and collective role in the greater Afro-Caribbean community in the Ottawa/Outaouais region. To create and foster the provision of a safe environment within which Program Participants can learn. Our Vision
Share The Wisdom To Plan And The Courage To Execute In Order To Manifest your Destiny. The Benefits
Afro-Caribbean Cotillion Mentees will learn about key areas of life, increase their life skills, improve on their communication style and learn to better navigate social situations with ease. Program Mentees will gain confidence and learn the value of demonstrating respect for themselves and others. They will benefit from discussion of modern day issues affecting youth in our community and be encouraged to examine their role and part in the greater community. They will learn the value of living a life of service and can expect to explore what that means from them as individuals. With the support of our various community Mentors, Mentees become well prepared and respected young adults in their own communities. The cotillion experience has helped countless young women and young men gain the poise and knowledge needed for all kinds of social events, job and college interviews, national and international travel and ultimately, success in their adult life. Some of the areas covered in the Afro-Caribbean Cotillion are:
• Etiquette
• Financial
• Nutrition
• Life Skills
• Communication Skills (Public Speaking)
• Poise and Dancing
• Ask a Brother Ask a sister
• Personal Health
• Resume writing

Mentee Criteria/Information:
Young women or young men between the ages of 15 and 22 living in the Ottawa/Outaouais region.

• A $100.00 Registration fee is payable at the first meeting. ($25.00 registration +$75.00 for the 2018 ACC mentee package which includes: special gift, printed materials, professional photo and ticket to the grand ball)
• Mentees are responsible for the cost of their own attire for The Afro-Caribbean Grand Cotillion Ball.
• A ball gown (floor length) is mandatory with appropriate footwear in addition to cultural wear.
• A black suit is mandatory with appropriate footwear in addition to cultural wear.
• Hair must be appropriately styled or groomed for The Grand Cotillion Ball
• Mentees are responsible for identifying any financial constraint that may be preventing them from being an active mentee as assistance is available.
• Mentees must attend all cotillion meetings, which are held on Sunday afternoons from January to April. For Inquiries, please contact:

Suzan Lavertu, Director
Telephone: 613-863-3493
e-mail:[email protected]