Leisure Time in Jane and Finch

Being a youth in Jane and Finch has certain expectations. The children can be seen running around in a very carefree manner at any given time of the day. Depending on their ages, hereditary genes, etc., their teeth may appear pearly white, sand-beige and many are still losing teeth. However this does not stop them from smiling. Their main priorities range usually between playing and making friends… Sometimes even trouble. They can be seen out in the schoolyard frolicking about around playgrounds, soccer nets, basketball courts and often the notorious “line up” area. Indeed, these children are expected to be youth and nothing more. Yet, they are the subject of controversy when the topic of “priority neighbourhoods” is discussed between residents.
The youth go home to their respective buildings or housing complexes to their parents, grandparents or other guardians that might be responsible for their care. Youth should be responsible only for growing into the persons of greatness that they are destined to become. If this means going to the plaza and spending his/her allowance on Sour Keys at the convenience store, then so be it. Children in these communities are supposed to be spending their days learning inside of the home and outside as well. They should be counting the leaves as they fall from trees, or kicking cans across the sidewalk. Instead, quite a few youth in these neighbourhoods spend their free time doing things their young minds perhaps should not be exposed to just yet. Some are grieving over painful incidents that hit close to home, getting involved with older youth that may be steering them right into trouble, and a few regrettably die. It is a mystery that begs to be demystified.